Waterhen Lake First Nation Strategic Planning

We are honoured to continue walking alongside Waterhen Lake First Nation (WLFN) in its journey of self-determined development and community-led planning. Our partnership spans more than a decade and is rooted in trust, shared learning, and a deep respect for the Nation’s culture, values, and vision for the future.

Our relationship began in 2012 with a Community Strategic Planning Retreat in Saskatoon, grounded in an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach led by a community member. This process focused on identifying the Nation’s strengths and laid the foundation for long-term planning across governance, land use, housing, economic development, and cultural revitalization.

Starting in March 2025, Prairie Wild, in collaboration with Braid Consulting, supported WLFN in the development of a new five-year strategic plan. Strategic planning sessions were held both on and off reserve, engaging a wide range of participants including Chief and Council, Elders, youth, staff, and community members. The sessions created space for reflection on past accomplishments, exploration of current opportunities and challenges, and collaborative identification of priorities to guide the Nation over the next five years.

Building upon previous efforts, the planning process reaffirmed WLFN’s commitment to self-governance, cultural revitalization, and sustainable development.

These engagements are helping WLFN shape a clear and community-driven strategic direction – one that honours tradition while building capacity and opportunity for future generations.