2Nations Bird wins potash contracts in Saskatchewan

Key Takeaways:

• 2Nations Bird is a partnership between Bird, Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation’s Willow Cree Developments General Partner Inc. and Fishing Lake First Nation’s Development Corporation, FLFN Ventures. 
• The partnership was formed to ensure that Indigenous communities and businesses are given opportunities for training and employment during the project. 
• Officials expect roughly 3,500 jobs to be created at during the entirety of the Jansen Stage 1 project.
• 2Nations Bird will self-perform concrete foundations work for four main non-process buildings at Jansen.
• 2Nations Bird also won a three-year site services agreement contract.

The Whole Story:

The 2Nations Bird joint venture is taking flight in Saskatchewan. 

The venture announced it has been awarded two contracts by BHP for works on the Jansen Stage 1 Potash Project. 

2Nations Bird is a partnership between Bird, Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation’s Willow Cree Developments General Partner Inc. and Fishing Lake First Nation’s Development Corporation, FLFN Ventures.  

“We are honoured to be chosen as a key partner for BHP’s Jansen project and are committed to delivering exceptional results through our 2Nations Bird partnership over the next three years. Together, our shared values of respect and collaboration will be instrumental in creating positive and sustainable impacts in the region,” said Teri McKibbon, president and CEO of Bird. “As a service provider in this vital sector of the Canadian economy, working on BHP’s world-class, sustainable potash project is an exciting opportunity.” 

Impacting First Nations communities

The venture explained that the 2Nations Bird partnership is rooted in culture, respect, collaboration and providing sustainable, positive impacts for the communities. It was formed to participate in BHP’s Jansen project, providing a full scope of construction and maintenance services. The partnership is focused on procuring goods and services from local Indigenous businesses and aims to maximize employment opportunities for local Indigenous people. Venture officials believe opportunities for specific training and employment programs will support long-term career employment and advancement opportunities. 

2Nations Bird will self-perform concrete foundations work for four main non-process buildings at Jansen, a contract valued at approximately $62 million. The partnership was also awarded a three-year site services agreement where 2Nations Bird has responsibility for general site services during the execution of Jansen Stage 1, as well as maintenance of a variety of facilities currently in operation to service the site. The three-year service agreement is valued at over $110 million.  

Working with First Nations subcontractors

2Nations Bird has engaged with KDM Constructors, as the designated subcontractor. KDM has been involved with the project with BHP for over seven years, providing contract services for the Jansen site. As a First Nations-owned industrial construction and maintenance service provider, KDM brings together Kawakatoose, Day Star and Muskowekwan Nations along with the Saskatchewan-based SECON Group of Companies. George Gordon Developments Ltd, the economic development arm of the George Gordon First Nation will also be a subcontractor on the site services agreement.  

“Indigenous and industry partnerships, such as 2Nations Bird Construction, create economic and employment opportunities for our Nation and its members. It allows us to develop capacity, learn from one another, and grow in tandem,” said Chief Edwin Ananas, Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation. “More importantly, these types of relationships are critical to advance economic reconciliation which allows us to develop long-term, meaningful, and sustainable outcomes,”  

Jansen to be one of the largest potash mines

BHP is investing $7.5 billion to build Jansen Stage 1, which will be one of the world’s largest and most sustainable potash mines and is located 140 km from Saskatoon. Jansen Stage 1 is expected to produce approximately 4.35 million tonnes of potash per annum, with the first production planned for late-2026.  

Jansen is 100 per cent owned by BHP. The group stated that its large resource endowment provides the opportunity to develop the project in phases. Jansen Stage 1 is the first of four potential phases. Officials expect roughly 3,500 jobs to be created at the peak of construction. 

“BHP is delighted to announce the partnership with 2Nations Bird and we look forward to building strong working relationships,” said Simon Thomas, president Potash, BHP. “The award of these contracts is a significant milestone for Jansen Stage 1 and one that will have positive impacts for the local community. We are committed to upholding the opportunity agreements we have with the six First Nations surrounding Jansen and to working with other Indigenous communities to help ensure Indigenous Peoples gain from our presence in the region.”