Des Nedhe signs collaboration agreement with Saskatchewan based Team Drilling

October 11, 2023

Saskatoon, SK. Des Nedhe Development, the economic development arm of English River First Nation, and Team Drilling LP have signed a collaboration and participation agreement for drilling work in the eastern area of the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan. The agreement covers the McArthur River project, the Wheeler River project, and potentially other projects in English River First Nation’s traditional territory.

“We are excited to be partnering with a top drilling company who is also majority Indigenous-owned.Team Drilling has a 15-year history of working in the north and across Canada. They have been a strong employer for many Indigenous people over the years. We are excited to bring their expertise in drilling and their successful employee training program to our community.”
Sean Willy, President & CEO of Des Nedhe Development.

Team Drilling provides surface, underground and specialty drilling services to mining companies in northern Saskatchewan and beyond. Athabasca Basin Development, an investment company owned by Black Lake First Nation, Hatchet Lake First Nation, Fond du Lac First Nation, Stony Rapids, Wollaston Lake, Uranium City, and Camsell Portage, holds 50% ownership in the company.

In addition to accessing work in the area, Team Drilling will provide employment and training opportunities to the community and employ local contractors wherever possible. Team Drilling’s highly successful training program focuses heavily on safety and includes having a third person on the drill to observe and assist before moving into a more independent role. 

“Des Nedhe and the English River First Nation are excellent partners for us. Des Nedhe is a well-known Indigenous company with a lot of experience, and a diverse basket of companies in areas like retail, construction, professional services, and recently they announced they were getting into the coffee industry. We look forward to working together with Des Nedhe to service clients in English River’s traditional areas as we continue to provide services to our clients in the Athabasca region and throughout the country.”
Bob Fleming, CEO of Team Drilling. “

For more information, please contact Sean Willy at media@desnedhe.com or Robert Fleming at rfleming@teamdrilling.com

The Des Nedhe Group – English River First Nation’s economic development organization – owns and operates a diverse group of companies that operate throughout Canada including but not limited to those that specialize in industrial construction and mining services; retail; property management; custom steel fabrication; and communications, marketing, and Indigenous strategy.  www.desnedhe.com

Team Drilling – Since 2008, Team Drilling has provided industry-leading drilling services to some of the mining and exploration industry’s biggest companies. Bringing over 80 years of drilling experience to every project, Team has a reputation for drilling excellence that consistently exceed client’s expectations, and a history of providing clients with long-term, safe, and productive drilling services. Based in Saskatoon, Team has provided drilling services to clients in numerous locations across Canada. www.teamdrilling.com