Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa Announces December 4, 2026 Official Opening Date Minister Gull-Masty joins Whitecap Dakota Nation leadership to mark a major milestone for Saskatchewan tourism and Indigenous-led economic development

WHITECAP DAKOTA NATION, SK – August 20, 2026 – Whitecap Dakota Nation and Dakota Dunes Resort are pleased to announce that the highly anticipated Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa will officially open to the public on December 4, 2026, introducing a new destination wellness experience to Saskatchewan.

The official opening date was announced today during a special event at Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa construction site, with the Hon. Mandy Gull-Mast, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, joining Whitecap Dakota Nation leadership and invited guests to recognize this important milestone.

Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa represents a transformational addition to Dakota Dunes Resort and the growing tourism destination at Whitecap Dakota Nation. Designed as a place for relaxation, restoration and connection, the Thermal Spa will further establish Dakota Dunes as a year-round destination while creating new opportunities for tourism, employment and economic development across the Saskatoon Region.

The Thermal Spa is part of a broader vision to position Whitecap Dakota Nation as a leader in Indigenous tourism and to create distinctive visitor experiences rooted in Dakota hospitality, culture and connection to the land.

“The opening of Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa—the first of its kind in Saskatchewan—represents another important step in the continued growth of Dakota Dunes Resort as a tourist destination,” said Chief Darcy Bear, Whitecap Dakota Nation. “We are proud to create an experience that welcomes visitors to our Nation, creates meaningful economic and employment opportunities, and shares the spirit of Dakota hospitality with guests from Saskatchewan, across Canada and beyond.”

Minister Gull-Masty will join Chief Bear and representatives of Dakota Dunes Resort to recognize the significance of the development and its contribution to Saskatchewan’s tourism economy.

“Whitecap Dakota Nation continues to show what is possible when a community has a bold vision for its future. The Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa will be Saskatchewan’s only thermal spa and a one-of-a-kind tourism destination, drawing visitors to Whitecap and creating jobs and new opportunities for the entire region. I’m proud to support Chief Bear and Whitecap Dakota Nation as they bring this ambitious project to life,” said Minister Gull-Masty.

The addition of the Thermal Spa builds upon the established destination experience at Dakota Dunes, which includes Dakota Dunes Resort, Dakota Dunes Golf Links, Dakota Dunes Casino and a growing portfolio of cultural and outdoor experiences.

More than simply a new spa, Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa is being positioned as Saskatchewan’s premier Indigenous wellness destination, helping attract new visitors, encourage overnight stays and strengthen year-round tourism at Whitecap Dakota Nation.

With its official opening on December 4, 2026, the Thermal Spa will introduce Saskatchewan guests and visitors from across Western Canada to an entirely new wellness experience rooted in Indigenous culture and hospitality.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

About Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa

Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa is a new destination wellness experience located at Whitecap Dakota Nation, Saskatchewan. Part of the Dakota Dunes destination, the Thermal Spa has been created to offer guests an immersive experience centred on wellness, relaxation, restoration, and connection.

The Thermal Spa complements Dakota Dunes Resort’s existing hospitality, golf, gaming, culinary, cultural and adventure experiences, further establishing Whitecap Dakota Nation as a leading year-round Indigenous tourism destination.

Whitecap Dakota Development Corporations $54 million capital investment will generate another 165 jobs, contributing to WDN’s status as a leading driver for Saskatoon’s regional economy.

Indigenous Services Canada has invested more than $16 million into this economic development project.

Official Public Opening: December 4, 2026