FLFNs is partnering with the Town of Elk Point in Alberta to establish a hemp-based building materials and textiles factory. This collaboration is a major step to activate land designated for industrial development and will build local skills around cogenerated heat and electricity. We will also demonstrate ways to embed carbon into durable materials: hemp bricks for constructing housing at FLFNs, and textiles for creating uniforms. Hemp is sourced directly from FLFNs growers. The factory will provide employment opportunities for Indigenous workers and receive partial funding from the Government of Alberta, emphasizing the collaborative effort and support from various stakeholders in promoting sustainable and community-driven development.

Project phase: Development

Working with our partners at Siphiko Energy, we are transforming former oil wells into sources of sustainable energy. We extract and desalinate brine from these wells as feedstock for a hydrolysis process to produce green hydrogen. We are proud to partner with the University of Calgary and SAIT, who bring expertise in research and development to this project. 

Project phase: Trials

Project duration: 24 months

FLFNs has built a teaching and traditional foods greenhouse next to the TTES high school to enhance access to sustainably grown foods and nurturing skills in value-added agriculture. Supported by the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, this greenhouse provides students and nation members with hands-on learning about traditional plants and modern growing techniques, connecting them to our heritage while preparing them for future careers. By growing and processing food on-site, students and community members gain valuable skills in sustainable agriculture, from cultivation to production, and produces food for vulnerable nation members. This project strengthens our food security, promotes self-reliance, and reinforces our commitment to sustainable practices that honor both traditional knowledge and contemporary agricultural innovation.

Project phase: Phase 1 Commissioning

Our Nation is creating a database of locally sourced materials and resilient designs for net-zero homes. These homes are crafted to withstand fire, flooding, and mold, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. This resource supports sustainable housing solutions tailored to our environment, enhancing safety, sustainability, and community self-reliance. This partnership with SAIT, Reimagine Architects, and Williams Engineering Canada brings skills and new opportunities for FLFNs contractors and suppliers to work in the green construction industry.

Project phase: Implementation