PBCN celebrates Indigenous culture and wellness room at Foran Mining near Hanson Lake
It’s a space Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBSN) Chief Peter Beatty describes as a sanctuary for First Nations employees and an educational resource for others.
The Indigenous Culture and Wellness Room at Foran Mining Corporation’s McIlvenna Bay Project officially opened Friday. The mine is located 65 kilometres southwest of Creighton, SK on the traditional territory of PBCN. The dedicated space at the mine site honours Indigenous cultural practices and includes a Treaty Map, Star Blanket, Medicine Wheel floor rug, and the Seven Teachings in Cree syllabics and English. The room also includes murals representing the four seasons, painted by George Custer of Pelican Narrows.
Beatty said the room holds special significance to the First Nations employees at the McIlvenna Bay Project because it acknowledges and respects their cultural practices, providing them with a place to engage in spiritual traditions and cultural activities while at work. He said it reinforces the importance of their cultural identity within the workplace.
“This room is a testament to our collaboration with Foran,” said Beatty. “It provides a safe sanctuary for our First Nation employees to practice our traditions, while also serving as an educational resource for others to learn about our culture that will foster respect.”