Ottawa invests in clean technology project on Sask. Cowessess First Nation

Saskatchewan’s lone Liberal MP visited Regina to announce the federal government’s support for a clean‑technology innovation project on Cowessess First Nation.

Saskatchewan’s lone Liberal MP Buckley Belanger visited Regina on Sunday to announce the federal government’s support for a clean‑technology innovation project on Cowessess First Nation.

An investment of $855,000 through the Government of Canada’s PrairiesCan was announced to build a rapid composting and bio-fertilizer facility on Cowessess First Nation, which aims to provide low-cost nutrients to boost greenhouse and agricultural production.

“As global markets shift, value-added agriculture and local production matter more than ever. Families see it at the grocery store, costs are up. The pressure is real and that means we need smarter global solutions for food waste and year-round production,” Belanger said at a news conference on Sunday.

“That’s why, on behalf of the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, I’m proud to announce $855,000 through PrairiesCan for the Cowessess Ventures Ltd.”

As part of the project, a unique waste-disposal bin was designed by Pro Metal Industries and B-Nature Biotech to help Cowessess enhance food production on its own land.

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Cowessess will also install and operate a growing dome for year-round food production to support feeding people in their community, as well as Pasqua First Nation.

“It will not only create jobs for people and communities, both Pasqua and Cowessess, but it’ll contribute to educating our youth in the full-circle economy, creating our own food, taking care of our elders and our seniors, people in need,” said Rebecca Âcikahtê, business development manager of sustainability of Cowessess Ventures Ltd.

“Hopefully we can scale up and contribute to our urban population. Cowessess is the biggest nation in Treaty 4. We have 2,000 members just in Regina, we’d like to be able to help this contribute to feeding everybody.”

The bin was customized and created locally to keep waste safe from Prairie weather conditions and wildlife.

B-Nature Biotech said the initiative will help lead the next generation of Indigenous-led clean technology.

“This project is not just about composting. It’s about building local capacity, technical agriculturr and economy in a way that aligns with the community priorities and environmental responsibility,” said Raj Behari of B-Nature Biotech.

“We are deeply grateful to PrairiesCan for recognizing the importance of clean technology deployment in rural and Indigenous communities.”

He added that 10 more waste-disposable bins are expected to be delivered by August.

Belanger said the project also promotes Indigenous economic development while working towards food security.

“As we learn from the First Nations how to sustain our community better with great science behind it, this is something that we need to certainly support,” Belanger said.

“From the highest mountains, telling folks we can grow our own food faster, better, and for our own needs at less cost.”