Flying Dust First Nation has broken ground on a major commercial development near Meadow Lake.
Chief Tyson Bear says the nation is constructing a 35-thousand-square-foot strip mall on land that was expropriated in the 1930s for railway use before eventually being returned to the First Nation.
Bear says the project has been years in the making and is part of a broader effort to create long-term economic sustainability.
“We’re trying to figure out some way where we could eventually go on our own and sustain our nation and support our people,” Bear said.
The development will include several businesses, including a dentist office and restaurant, with all retail bays already rented out.
Flying Dust First Nation has also invested roughly 12 million dollars into nearby water, sewer and infrastructure upgrades connected to the project.
Bear says revenue generated through economic development is already helping fund housing support, post-secondary education, sports and recreation programs for members living both on and off reserve.
He expects the strip mall to add to that funding.
(Photo courtesy Tyson Bear)