Who We Are
Steel River Group is an Indigenous-owned organization built on the belief that meaningful partnerships create stronger outcomes for everyone involved. We work alongside corporations, governments, and organizations to connect, structure, and advance Indigenous partnerships that lead to real economic opportunity.
Our role is not just to advise, but to actively support the development and execution of initiatives that move forward with purpose and impact.
Our Journey
2012
Developed the Steel River Group Business Model
2017
Steel River Group was founded with Deanna Fequet & Nick Pentelichuk
First Indigenous partnership - Alexis Nakota Sioux
Established
and acquired ownership in Backwoods
2018
Steel River Solutions secured
a major pipeline Project — Tidewater's Pioneer
Recognized by
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Businesses
2019
Established Steel River
Energy Services
Established Steel River Equipment
Established Steel River Solutions
Hired key employees, all one degree of separation from
ownership
Introduced our First
Alliance Partner
2020
Established Skwlax
Resource Management in partnership with Little Shuswap Lake
Established Steel Willow
Resources with the Willow Lake Metis
Established Steel River
SICIM Pipeline
2021
Secured partnership with Trent's home community Pakuashipi
Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation acquired 100% ownership of Backwoods Energy
2022
Deepen national focus on supporting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities through economic development, advisory services, and long-term partnerships.
Launched Water Care
Company and deployed pilot clarification unit to Stoney Nakoda Nation
Steel River awarded first ever Indigenous-owned prime contractor by TC Energy
Develop key relationships, including Ka•kin and Peepeekisis Cree Nation.
Launched Wolftrek, expanding into workforce solutions and connecting industry with qualified talent.
2023
Demand grows, SRG expands its work with corporate and industry partners.
Steel River Group increases its role as a bridge between industry and Indigenous communities, helping align partners, structure opportunities, and move projects toward execution.
2024
SRG supports the development of the First Nation-developed and owned funeral home in Canada, a landmark project.
Established Ripplewood Professional Services, broadening environmental capabilities and services.
Established Steel River Businesss Strategies, expanding its work with corporate and industry partners.
2025—Present
Today, Steel River Group continues to grow as a National Indigenous-owned company, delivering integrated solutions across communities, industry, workforce, development, and strategic partnerships.
The Steel River Difference
What sets Steel River Group apart is our ability to connect organizations with the right Indigenous partners and stay involved as opportunities move forward. Grounded in deep experience and a strong understanding of Indigenous communities, we approach every partnership with the insight, respect, and context required to build something meaningful.
We don’t stop at introductions. We help align partners, structure opportunities, and support the development of projects through to execution, ensuring each step reflects both business objectives and community priorities.
By combining our relationships, technical expertise, and hands-on involvement, we help ensure opportunities are not only identified, but thoughtfully developed and carried through to real, lasting outcomes.
"We Choose to Care"
At Steel River Group, our mantra, "We Choose to Care," embodies our unwavering commitment to genuinely supporting Indigenous communities and First Nations across Canada.
Unlike other consulting and management companies that may only profess to care, we actively demonstrate our dedication through meaningful actions and partnerships.
We prioritize the well-being and prosperity of these communities, ensuring our efforts contribute positively to their development and success. Our promise to care is not just words; it's the foundation of our mission and the driving force behind every project we undertake.
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Meet Trent Fequet
Founder of Steel River Group
A proud Inuit entrepreneur and business leader with 25 years of experience with some of Canada’s most prominent pipeline, infrastructure, and mining companies. Trent founded Steel River Group in 2017 based on the belief that there has never been a better time to reimagine how a private Indigenous business defines, creates, and captures value for Indigenous communities and people.
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