PEEPEEKISIS CREE NATION, LORLIE, SK, TREATY 4 TERRITORY, Sept. 17, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, Chief Francis Dieter, along with members of the Peepeekisis Cree Nation Council, Elders, community members, and partners, opened the doors to the community's newest business, the Peepeekisis Funeral Home. Located in Lorlie, Saskatchewan, the more than 10,000-square-foot facility is the first Indigenous-owned and operated funeral home in Saskatchewan.

The new funeral home marks an important milestone for Peepeekisis Cree Nation, providing a dedicated, community-centred space where families can gather to honour, remember, and celebrate the lives of loved ones close to home. The facility strengthens local capacity, supports culturally meaningful end-of-life services, and represents another step in the Nation's journey toward greater self-determination and sovereignty.

Indigenous-led economic development projects are the direct result of vision, partnership, leadership, commitment to community, and strategic investment. Today's grand opening of the Peepeekisis Funeral Home is an excellent example of this type of project, as the employment, training, and financial benefits will be realized, both within the community and throughout the surrounding area for years to come.

The total cost of the funeral home is $7,076,375, to which Indigenous Services Canada contributed just over $1 million through the Community Opportunities Readiness Program.

Quotes

"These are exciting times for Peepeekisis, as this project represents another step toward sovereignty. For years, our community has needed a facility where we can come together to celebrate the lives of our loved ones, and today's grand opening brings us one step closer to that goal. We are grateful for ISC's support with this funeral home project and look forward to collaborating with ISC on future opportunities. This facility is inspired by our First Nation heritage, but we aim for it to be accessible to everyone. Peepeekisis is unique in that we embrace a diverse range of races, cultures, and religions, and our community has always been welcoming to all."

Chief Francis Dieter
Peepeekisis Cree Nation

"Losing someone you love is one of the hardest moments a family can go through. Being able to say goodbye close to home, surrounded by your community, your culture, and the people who know you, matters. This new funeral home will give families that space while creating jobs and building an Indigenous-owned business that will serve the community for years to come. Congratulations to Chief Dieter and Peepeekisis Cree Nation on making this vision a reality."

The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty
Minister of Indigenous Services

Quick facts

• Peepeekisis Cree Nation's funeral home facility features an entry hall, a gathering hall, private and family meeting rooms, a full kitchen, and catering and floral services.
• Amenities offered through the funeral home include cremation, traditional burial, memorial products, and ceremonial and ritual services.
• Through Peepeekisis Developments LTD, Peepeekisis Cree Nation's economic development portfolio includes the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa in Moose Jaw, SK; the Buffalo Hill Gas & Convenience Store, and the RealLeaf Cannabis Store.
• Peepeekisis Cree Nation is located approximately 112 km northeast of Regina, SK, and is a member community of the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council.

Associated links

Community Opportunities Readiness Program
Peepeekisis Cree Nation
Peepeekisis Development LTD

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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada