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SaskEnergy has unveiled new Indigenous-designed safety signs to install in First Nations communities across the province.
The signs aim to highlight gas safety awareness and were designed by Saskatchewan Indigenous artist Jade Roberts. They were unveiled in Whitecap Dakota First Nation on Tuesday, according to a SaskEnergy news release, with plans to install them in 52 communities with access to natural gas by fall 2024.
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Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear commended the announcement as a move toward prioritizing safety awareness.
“SaskEnergy has provided natural gas capacity to our Nation since the mid 1980s and together we have made safety awareness a top priority,” he said. “Today marks that continued effort and we are pleased to see this new, Indigenous designed, reminder about natural gas safety. We welcome this new addition and congratulate Jade Roberts on this design.”
The signs focus on two core messages: “dig safely” and “if you smell natural gas,” a cautionary reminder to customers that if they smell gas, they should evacuate the premises and contact SaskEnergy. Embodying an Indigenous design, the news release explained, will help messages resonate better with communities and customers, and adheres to outcomes outlined in the provider’s Indigenous engagement and procurement policies.
“SaskEnergy is committed to the safety of the public, including the Indigenous communities we serve,” SaskEnergy president and CEO Mark Guillet stated in the release. “These signs help us to highlight how safety is a shared responsibility — in a way that’s visually and culturally appealing — while demonstrating that we value our relationships with First Nations as we work together to create safer communities.”
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It also highlights the province’s own commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood MLA Lisa Lambert stated in the release. “By installing these new signs, SaskEnergy is demonstrating its commitment to building meaningful, long-term relationships with Indigenous groups and communities.”
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