Government of Canada Congratulates Bearspaw First Nation on the Grand Opening of the Bearspaw Kananaskis Travel Centre

From: Indigenous Services Canada

May, 23 2019 – Stoney Band, AB – Indigenous Services Canada

The Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nations to support community-driven economic development projects to build thriving, healthier, and more sustainable communities.

Today, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulates Chief Darcy Dixon and Bearspaw First Nation on the grand opening of the Bearspaw Kananaskis Travel Centre.

This 6,000 square foot building includes the Bearspaw First Nation owned and operated gas station, drive-through coffee shop and convenience store, that opened in January 2019.

The Travel Centre has created full time and part time jobs in the community and generates revenues for the Stoney Band from leases, and contributes to the economic development and business growth on Stoney Band’s designated lands.

Funding was provided through the Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) of Indigenous Services Canada. CORP funding helps First Nations and Inuit communities develop business plans, expand existing Indigenous-led businesses and launch new Indigenous-led start-ups.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is immensely proud to be a funding partner for the Bearspaw Kananaskis Travel Centre. My congratulations to Chief Dixon and all members of the Bearspaw First Nation on the grand opening of the Centre which will provide jobs and economic benefits for the entire community.”

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

“This is another major step forward for Bearspaw First Nation and our goal of self-sufficiency through business and economic development for the benefit of our membership and our community.”

Chief Darcy Dixon
Bearspaw First Nation

Quick facts

• Bearspaw First Nation, a part of the Stoney Band, is located approximately 75 km west of Calgary. The community has a population of over 1,800 people on reserve. Bearspaw is one of the three First Nations that make up Stoney Band, along with the Wesley and Chiniki First Nations.
• The Stoney Band received funding of $700,000 from the Community Opportunities Readiness Program towards eligible activities to construct the Travel Centre.
• The Stoney Band has 238 acres of designated lands for commercial development. The Stoney Nakoda Resort (casino, hotel and restaurant) and the Travel Centre are located on these lands.
• Budget 2019 continues supporting Indigenous business development with an additional $129 million over 5 years.

Associated links

• Stoney Nakoda First Nation
• Budget 2019 Highlights: Indigenous and Northern investments
• Community Opportunities Readiness Program

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Kevin Deagle
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Indigenous Services
873-354-0987

ISC Media Relations
819-953-1160
SAC.media.ISC@canada.ca

NT5