Growing a stronger community

A New Way Forward For The Battlefords

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Photography by Gilbert Katerynych

Our Mission

It all started with a conversation

From the earliest days, people in this region have worked together, made decisions, learned, and grown this community into a commercial and social hub of northwest Saskatchewan.

Many of the challenges we face—from economic to educational—are also opportunities for new learning and growth. The Wilson Battleford’s Initiative celebrates the promise and potential of the people in this region. Our role is to encourage and foster new friendships that engage the whole community in long-lasting progress, connection, and growth.

Move Forward Together, As Friends

To understand needs and priorities, the team of the Battlefords Initiative has spent months listening to educators, First Nations, business owners, non-profit leaders, police, politicians, parents, and young people. What we heard: progress comes down to one thing: relationships. If we can find new ways to look after our children and each other, we’ll succeed. To that end, we’ve funded various programs that will help develop people and organizations.

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The Wilsons

Supporting The Battlefords

Brett Wilson is a home-grown entrepreneur and philanthropist whose roots go back to the community’s earliest days. His great-grandfather Prince was an entrepreneur who became the region’s first Senator. His parents carried the torch in their own way, building the community as volunteers and advocates for economic and social good.

Brett believes in helping people see their own potential for good. Back in 2006, he inspired people in this community to raise $1 million by matching funds for the Battlefords Union Hospital—an outcome that seemed unthinkable even a few months before. His son Russell (with a Master’s in Business Administration and major in philanthropy) represents the newest generation of Wilsons who are blending entrepreneurship and philanthropy to help build communities that reflect the values of the people who live and work there.

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Our goal is to be a friend and ally to those who are working to make The Battlefords an even better place to live. We’re supporting community leaders and organizations to find new ways to build capacity and solve problems together. We hope you’ll join us.