Six Indigenous communities in Northern Alberta receiving homes thanks to Cenovus energy

Cenovus energy is spending $50 million to build 200 homes in six Indigenous communities near its oilsands operation sites in northern Alberta, including 21 in Conklin.

The investment, the company says, is a way to contribute to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

The funding will be broken down into a $10-million yearly contribution for five years to build about 200 homes in the communities of Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Chard Métis Local 218, Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation, Cold Lake First Nations, Conklin Métis Local 193 and Heart Lake First Nation.

Cenovus’s housing pledge follows the company’s commitment to target a minimum of $1.5 billion of additional spending with Indigenous businesses over the next 10 years.

The first phase of residents will move in before the end of the year.