Building homes, building trust: Cenovus expands its Indigenous Housing Initiative
Cenovus is deepening its commitment to Indigenous communities with an expansion of its Indigenous Housing Initiative — the largest community investment in the company’s history.
We recently announced an additional ongoing annual investment of up to $8 million to increase the initiative’s impact beyond its original scope. The expansion includes welcoming three new communities near our Canadian operating areas: Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Kikino Métis Settlement and Whitefish Lake First Nation #128.
Leaders from both the original and new Indigenous communities participating in the program attended the expansion announcement, which took place on September 30, 2025. During their remarks, they expressed hope and optimism about what the program will mean for their communities.
Chief Herb Jackson from Whitefish Lake First Nation said the decision to join the initiative came after seeing the difference it made in other communities. "We’ve watched families moving into safe, modern homes in Beaver Lake Cree Nation and Heart Lake First Nation with young people feeling hopeful about staying close to home," he said. "It showed us what’s possible when Indigenous communities take the lead, and we’re excited to bring that same spirit to Whitefish Lake First Nation."
“Over the last five years I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact our housing program has had,” said Alex Pourbaix, Board Chair of Cenovus Energy. “In my visits to communities to see the new homes over the years, it was heartwarming to hear community members describe to me how the housing program has changed their lives.”
Chief Herb Jackson of Whitefish Lake First Nation, Alex Pourbaix, Board Chair of Cenovus, Chief Vern Janvier of Chipewyan Prairie First Nation and Jeff Lawson, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development & Chief Sustainability Officer of Cenovus stand with Pokaiks Board members after announcing the expansion of Cenovus’s Indigenous Housing Initiative.
Kids building LEGO houses to celebrate the impact of the Indigenous Housing Initiative.
LAST UPDATED: OCTOBER 2025