
Economic & Social Development Support
Strong communities are built on strong foundations. We support Indigenous Nations and organizations through strategic planning, program development, and advisory services that drive economic growth, enhance social well-being, and build internal capacity. Our work is rooted in Community Readiness, helping communities build the systems, structures, and services needed to attract investment, support their people, and lead sustainable growth on their own terms.
Growth Begins with Community Readiness
We believe that sustainable development begins with a ready community, one that has the internal systems, resources, and vision to lead its own growth.
Community readiness means having the infrastructure, governance, social supports, and economic foundation in place to take on opportunities with confidence. It’s about ensuring that when funding becomes available or partnerships arise, communities are positioned to move quickly, strategically, and on their own terms.
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All of our services, from strategic planning and grant writing to videography and economic development, are designed to support and accelerate community readiness. We don’t just help launch projects; we help build the conditions that make those projects successful and lasting.
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When communities are ready, growth becomes self-directed, partnerships become stronger, and outcomes become more meaningful.
Our Areas of Focus
Economic Strategy Development
We work alongside communities to craft actionable strategies that drive growth, attract investment, and generate long-term employment. Our services include:
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Strategic economic planning
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Investment readiness assessments
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Development of partnerships with corporate, municipal, and non-profit actors
Project Planning
& Delivery
We manage capital and infrastructure projects from planning through execution, ensuring alignment with community priorities.
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Land use and infrastructure planning
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Procurement and regulatory compliance
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Capital project coordination and delivery oversight
Social
Development
We design and implement social programs that improve quality of life, from housing to healthcare to cultural programming. We also help identify and fill service gaps across:
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Health, education, and infrastructure
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Cultural and community-based services
Indigenous Benefit Agreement Support
We support the negotiation and implementation of equitable IBAs that ensure long-term value for Indigenous communities.
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IBA strategy and negotiation support
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Industry engagement and alignment
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Implementation planning and outcome tracking
Capacity
Development
We support Nations in strengthening internal governance, operations, and leadership capacity. Our work includes:
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Organizational assessments and HR strategy
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Policy development and training
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Readiness assessments for growth and funding alignment
Partnerships & Investment Readiness
We prepare communities to attract funding and partnerships by aligning plans with funder expectations and market opportunities.
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Investment readiness assessments
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Funder and grant alignment strategies
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Corporate, municipal, and non-profit partnership development
Case Study: Peepeekisis Funeral Home – Honouring a Community Vision
Peepeekisis Cree Nation envisioned a space where loved ones could be honoured with dignity, cultural respect, and care, without having to leave their community. That vision became the foundation for a new, community-led funeral home that serves not only as essential infrastructure but as a powerful symbol of self-determination and healing.
Case Study: Advancing Economic Sovereignty with Witchekan Lake First Nation (2025–2032)
In 2025, Witchekan Lake First Nation (WLFN) partnered with Steel River Group to develop a comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, a bold, community-driven roadmap to reclaim economic control, activate under-utilized assets, and build long-term prosperity. The project was fully funded through the Lands and Economic Development Services Program (LEDSP), which covered both the facilitation of the strategy session and the development of the final report.
