Oodena Gas & Convenience Opens as First Retail Venture on Historic Naawi-Oodena Lands

Store begins 24/7 operations with 96% Indigenous staff, launching new chapter of First Nation-led development on Naawi-Oodena Lands

Treaty No. 1 Territory, June 23, 2025 – The Treaty One Nations marked a historic milestone today with the soft opening ceremonies for Oodena Gas & Convenience. Located at 1871 Taylor Avenue in Winnipeg, the doors will open to the public June 30, 2025, and are set to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing a reliable new fuel and shopping option alongside one of the busiest arterial roadways in Manitoba.

Oodena Gas & Convenience is the first business to open on the 109 acres owned by the seven Treaty One Nations. It represents one of the largest First Nation-led economic development projects in Canadian history and is the first step in transforming Naawi-Oodena into a vibrant economic hub led by First Nations.

“There is no better opportunity for long-term prosperity than what’s beginning here at Naawi-Oodena. This land has the potential to transform not only our economies, but the lives of our people for generations to come,” stated Treaty One Development Corporation President Chief E.J Fontaine. “What’s happening today is the result of years of hard work by our former and current leaders, and we are building on their efforts by turning Naawi-Oodena into a powerful asset for all Treaty One citizens.”

A total of 25 staff have been hired to support the store’s operations, including two full-time supervisors. Of those 25 staff:

• 24 are First Nation members (96%)
• 21 are members of one of the seven Treaty One First Nations (84%)

“Naawi-Oodena is no longer a dream—it’s a reality. For the first time, our people are shaping how this land is used, how it generates income, and how it serves the community,” said Treaty One Nations Chairperson Chief Gordon BlueSky. “We never gave up. Our past and present leadership never lost focus and I’m proud of the legacy we are leaving for our children.”

In addition to the store launch, the first-ever Naawi‑Oodena Seasonal Market will begin operating Tuesday, June 24, and continue bi‑weekly on Tuesdays through September 30. Market hours are 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a selection of food trucks on-site. The market is designed to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and artisans by offering a consistent venue for commerce and community engagement on the Naawi-Oodena lands.

The official Oodena Gas & Convenience Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place on Friday, July 25, 2025, kicking off the 4th Annual Anishinaabe Days event at Naawi-Oodena. The Grand Opening will be open to all, with free food, cultural programming, voucher giveaways, and more.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Vic Savino
Director of Communications, Treaty One Nations
Email: vsavino@treaty1.ca | Cell: 204-770-0392