Treaty One Nation Breaks Ground at Naawi-Oodena Urban Economic Development Zone

First Groundbreaking Ceremony Lays Foundation for a Thriving Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 13, 2023 – Treaty No. 1 Territory – Treaty One Nation (T1N) is proud to hold the first Groundbreaking Ceremony this morning on the Naawi-Oodena Urban Economic Development Zone, on the former Kapyong Barracks lands in Winnipeg. This historic event takes place on Naawi-Oodena’s Block A, on the Northeast corner of Kenaston Blvd. and Taylor Ave.

Spanning 7.7 acres, development of this parcel represents a significant milestone towards economic growth and community development for the Treaty No. 1 First Nations and the Winnipeg community. Planned developments for Block A will include 130,000 sq. ft of commercial space alongside a 95,000 sq. ft commercial centre. The entire build for this parcel is estimated to take 4-5 years with completion projected by 2028.

As the first building slated to rise on this site, the cornerstone of this groundbreaking initiative will be construction of the Oodena Gas Bar. This full-service and First Nation-owned gas station, located on Taylor Avenue, is expected to be completed and operational by the end of summer 2024. T1N has engaged in collective partnerships for the design and development of the Oodena Gas Bar site, collaborating with Stantec for architectural plans and ODK Engineering for essential infrastructure designs. Century Petroleum will also play a crucial role in providing infrastructure for the gas bar, including pumps and tanks, while Northern Light Petroleum will supply fuel once operations commence.

“After 20 years of prolonged negotiations and courtroom disputes, initiating the first developments at Naawi-Oodena marks an historic moment not just for the Treaty One Nations, but for Canada as a whole,” says Treaty One Nation Chairperson and Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Gordon BlueSky. “This Urban Economic Development Zone is a testament to our shared commitments to sustainable growth and economic prosperity for our communities. The Oodena Gas Bar and Block A is only the beginning of what we envision as a vibrant and thriving economic hub for the years to come.”

Treaty One Development Corporation President and Sagkeeng First Nation Chief EJ Fontaine also shared his sentiments, stating, “Being the inaugural project to take shape within the Naawi-Oodena Urban Economic Development Zone, this groundbreaking ceremony signifies a glorious milestone for Treaty One and its member communities. Its completion will mark the beginning of a new era of opportunity that will contribute to the socio-economic development for all who live, work, and play in Treaty No. 1 Territory.”

T1N invites the public, media, and stakeholders to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion as we lay the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Vic Savino
Director of Communications, Treaty One Nation
vsavino@treaty1.ca
204-770-0392

Click here for PDF copy of release.