Oodena Gas & Convenience Hosts Grand Opening as the First Business on Naawi-Oodena

Treaty One Nations Mark Historic First Step Towards Vision of Self-Determination and Economic Sovereignty

Naawi-Oodena, Treaty One Territory, July 25, 2025 – After years of planning, construction, and perseverance, Treaty One Nations hosted the Grand Opening of Oodena Gas & Convenience today with a full community celebration at Naawi-Oodena. The new store is the first business to open on the 109 acres of reclaimed lands and now stands as a fully operational, First Nation-owned enterprise on one of Winnipeg’s busiest corridors.

This follows a soft opening held in June that welcomed early customers, leadership, and key stakeholders, but today’s Grand Opening marked the full public launch with a program of cultural ceremony, speeches, and celebration.

Owned collectively by the seven Treaty One First Nations and located at 1871 Taylor Avenue, Oodena Gas & Convenience offers competitive fuel pricing and convenience goods to both Status First Nation members and non-Indigenous customers alike, serving as a high-visibility anchor for the long-term vision of Naawi-Oodena to become a space where all can live, work, and play.

“This opening is the beginning of something much larger. It’s a return to the original spirit and intent of Treaty No. 1, signed 154 years ago—a vision where First Nations and newcomers live and work on these lands as partners, not adversaries. We are reclaiming that vision, and building it into reality.”

Chief Gordon BlueSky, Chairperson, Treaty One Nations

“Today marks a powerful step forward in economic development and self-determination for our Treaty One Nations. Oodena Gas & Convenience Store is a symbol of opportunity, sustainability, and growth. It reflects our commitment to building a strong, vibrant future for our people—by our people. We’re proud to welcome everyone to Naawi-Oodena, where community, commerce meet with purpose.”

Chief E.J. Fontaine, President, Treaty One Development Corporation

25 staff currently 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%)

In addition, minimum requirements were set by the Naawi-Oodena Workforce Initiative (NOWI) for 25% of construction staff to be of First Nation descent during the building phases of Oodena Gas & Convenience, with priority being on Treaty One First Nation members. Working in partnership with PCL Construction, the NOWI team is proud to announce that this goal was met.

Today’s gathering was grounded in ceremony—opening with a prayer, a drum song by Jedidiyah Swampy of the Sagkeeng First Nation, and remarks from leadership and dignitaries from the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba, the Assembly of First Nations, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Southern Chiefs’ Organization, and PCL Construction. That ceremonial approach is not a one-time gesture, but a core principle of all the work to be done at Naawi-Oodena and will continue as a reflection of what Nationhood means to the Treaty One Nations and all Anishinaabe peoples.

The event also featured a community BBQ hosted by Pratts Wholesale, a ribbon cutting, and live radio coverage from QX 104 FM.

This milestone event flows directly into the 4th Annual Anishinaabe Days Celebrations, held July 26–27 at Naawi-Oodena—continuing a weekend of culture, ceremony, and community grounded in the spirit of Nationhood.

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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