A symbiotic relationship between Saskatchewan’s Indigenous suppliers and Nutrien has allowed for the meeting and exceeding of a major milestone. 

Announced on the top floor of Nutrien Tower in Saskatoon Thursday, the mining giant was able to spend $1.1 billion on Indigenous procurement in the last four years.  

The milestone was reached in late 2024. It came as part of a goal that was set by Nutrien in 2020 to allocate 25 per cent of the annual spend to Indigenous owned suppliers, or suppliers with at least 15 per cent Indigenous employment. 

Nutrien’s Vice President of Potash Trevor Berg says suppliers come in many forms, with the main types being construction and manufacturing suppliers. 

 “There are some suppliers that are on the other side of the world for us, so having people here at home that can deliver and know about the province and know about what the goals here are for the province, that’s what we mean about sustainable.”

Berg says this initiative is about economic reconciliation, as well as ensuring there is a long-term sustainable supply chain for all mining operations in Saskatchewan.  

“We hope to continue to grow with the world demand, and with that, you need employees. Rather than bring people from other provinces that might move back eventually, having people that are home grown that are going to stay here, their families are here, is definitely what we talk about when we say sustainable suppliers and strong employees.”

Nutrien’s Director of Indigenous Relations Julie Ann Wriston says this investment has created competitive, strong Saskatchewan companies. 

“We started with probably about five or six Indigenous companies. Since that target was set, we’re now at 50 plus.”