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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

  • Investment readiness assessments

  • 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

  • Procurement and regulatory compliance

  • 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

  • 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

  • Industry engagement and alignment

  • 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

  • Policy development and training

  • 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

  • Funder and grant alignment strategies

  • 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.

Our Role

Our team worked closely with Peepeekisis from the ground up, providing end-to-end support for the planning, design, and launch of the funeral home:

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  • Project Planning & Coordination: We supported the project’s execution, helping align timelines, budgets, and contractor coordination, ensuring the project stayed on track and community-led.

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  • Architectural Design: We led the full design process, working with the Nation to create a space that is welcoming, functional, and rooted in cultural values and ceremony.

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  • Geotechnical & Technical Planning: Our team coordinated the necessary site studies and assessments to ensure long-term structural integrity and environmental compatibility.

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  • Launch Support & Storytelling: As the funeral home neared completion, we developed a visual storytelling campaign that included a powerful community video, drone footage, and messaging to honour the meaning of the space and share its importance with partners and future generations.

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.

Our Role

Steel River Group supported WLFN throughout the process, including:

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  • Securing LEDSP funding to fully finance the strategy session and report development.

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  • Supporting the funding application, including project scoping, budgeting, and alignment with program priorities.

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  • Facilitating an in-person strategy session with Chief, Council, and Elders to shape a collective vision for Nation-led growth.

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  • Mapping community strengths and assets, and aligning those with high-potential industries.

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  • Providing strategic advice to ensure the final plan was both actionable and culturally grounded.

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