Stoney Nakoda Nation's new travel centre expected to spur more development

Stoney Nakoda leaders hope the nation's new travel centre just off the Trans-Canada Highway is good for business.

The Bearspaw Kananaskis Travel Centre had its official grand opening on Thursday.

A traditional grand entry of First Nations dancers, drummers, honour songs and a prayer by a Stoney elder ushered in a new era for Stoney Nakoda community.

Opening remarks by Stoney Nakoda leadership kicked off an afternoon of celebration.

Bearspaw Chief Darcy Dixon, Chiniki Chief Aaron Young and Wesley Chief Clifford Poucette expressed excitement for the future of economic development on the nation.

The new, 6,000-square-foot travel centre offers highway travellers an Esso gas bar and a Tim Hortons — adjacent to the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino.

And the Tim Hortons is the first to open on a southern Alberta First Nation.

The building has a private lounge area and laundry room for truckers as well.

A jubilant Dixon said this has been a long time coming.

"I'm proud of our people and those involved to help make this project go. I'm very proud of our nation, our elders, our young people and band members in general, for fully supporting it," said the Bearspaw chief. "It's a small stepping stone for us but they support what they see and that's economic diversity in our community."

That support was evident, as community members and guests gathered to enjoy a free barbecue, live band, speeches and much more to commemorate a milestone for the nation.

"The future comes hand in hand with what the nation is trying to promote by having these economic development initiatives here. It just paves the way for any other project," Dixon said.

The leader said there has been offers for future development in the area but nothing is confirmed.

"We're not only trying to create a development in the tourism industry but create something other towns [...] can be apart of."

The convenience store and drive-thru coffee shop opened in January.

Bearspaw band member Angela Salter is a supervisor at the new facility.

"It's a big difference," Salter said. "It's different for the people and its good to have one around here because we get a lot of travellers that cross through our reserve. The scenery is a big thing for us."

Stoney Nakoda members have been waiting for something new like this to be set up, Salter explained.

"It's a big change and it's a challenge but it's something good," she said.

As a supervisor, Salter said this is something new for her and a new experience for others employed there as well.

The new development was expected to create more than 50 new jobs — nation members were a priority.

"Basically, it's mostly all [Stoney Nakoda] band members working here," Salter said.

Since opening, the business has seen tourists, truckers and community members enjoying the convenience of the new development.

Bearspaw CEO Rob Shotclose has played a big part not only in this new facility but other projects on the nation.

"This new travel centre brings lots of promise to the community," Shotclose said. "It also helps our existing businesses, the Stoney Nakoda Resort. Hopefully, there will be a spinoff to that as well."

The Bearspaw Kananaskis Travel Centre is about 75 kilometres west of Calgary, just off the Trans-Canada Highway.