For Immediate Release March 11, 2025 PDF Format
Indigenous high school students from the Northern Village of Pinehouse, Saskatchewan were welcomed today to the Petroleum Technology Research Centre in Regina by the Honourable Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan’s Minister Responsible for Trade and Export Development and Innovation Saskatchewan. Minister Kaeding will be joined by his cabinet colleague the Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister Responsible for Advanced Education.
“Saskatchewan’s global leadership in sustainable energy and natural resources is creating significant economic and employment growth within these key industries,” Minister Kaeding said. “Meaningful engagement with First Nations and Metis youth is essential to the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to increase Indigenous participation in these sectors and ensure our next generation of innovators can embrace these opportunities and play an active role in our province’s thriving future.”
The Pinehouse students are in Regina for a three-day program to learn about different kinds of energy technologies, experiences, and careers. The workshop and activities – planned by the PTRC and Pinehouse Power – include presentations and a tour of the PTRC’s new Energy Innovation Hub. Additional activities and experiments are on offer at the University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada. There will also be visits to the Saskatchewan Science Centre and the Government of Saskatchewan’s Geological Core Lab Research Facility.
“PTRC is honoured to be part of the planning and implementation of this program,” noted CEO Ranjith Narayanasamy. “We continue to be committed to assisting and educating Indigenous youth on energy awareness and career opportunities.”
Indigenous communities, particularly those in Northern Saskatchewan, are closely connected with industries like uranium mining, which are important to the province’s economic future. Assuring that Indigenous youth are provided with a solid background in energy literacy is crucial to the future of the province. The program and workshop at PTRC are supported by PrairiesCan and Indigenous Services Canada.
“The Pinehouse community is pleased to see our students visiting PTRC to learn about Saskatchewan’s diverse energy economy and career opportunities for them in this sector,” noted Northern Village of Pinehouse Mayor Mike Natomagan. “Northern Saskatchewan is a vital region of our province. We just need more educational opportunities for our students.”
“I’m honoured to work with Pinehouse and PTRC on this initiative,” said Rob Norris CEO of Pinehouse Power. “Indigenous participation in the energy industry is key to Saskatchewan’s future prosperity.”
The Pinehouse students are in Regina for three days and head back north on March 13th.
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