Whitecap Dakota Nation will be receiving an additional $5.4 million from the federal government for the Virtual Health Hub.

The federal funding will build on the more than $28.2 million already supplied by Indigenous Services Canada for the 2026-27 operating budget.

The VHH will use emerging technologies to ensure people in northern and remote communities will not need to leave their communities to get quality care. When the hub is fully operational, it is expected to support 80 jobs. The VHH is projected to be fully operational early next year.

Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty says the project helps ensure that distance is not a barrier to quality care.

“The hub is going to connect people in 30 communities across Saskatchewan to real time medical care. That means families in remote areas will be able to speak to their doctor without having to leave their community.”

By 2029 the VHH is expected to grow to serve as many as 90 northern and remote communities.

Aside from the funding announcement, the Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa opening date was announced. The spa will open to the public on December 4.