Peguis First Nation breaks ground on two commercial strip malls in urban centres
August 8, 2018
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, MB _ Grand Chief Arlen Dumas and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) congratulate Peguis First Nation. The First Nation held groundbreaking ceremonies for two commercial strip malls in both Winnipeg and Selkirk today.
“Economic development is a key to our success,” said Grand Chief Dumas. “These new malls will surely have a positive impact on Peguis citizens, but there will also be a ripple effect to the people and neighbourhoods around these businesses as they will create new jobs and other opportunities.”
In July 2018, it was announced that Peguis First Nation will establish an urban reserve with Winnipeg following several years of negotiations. In addition to the land it owns at 1075 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg, Peguis also owns part of the Assiniboia Downs and is working to turn it into an urban reserve that includes an entertainment centre.
There are also numerous First Nations that are setting up urban reserves across the province in other municipalities.
In 2013, Long Plain First Nation created the first urban reserve in Winnipeg. The Petro Canada gas station near Polo Park is the most profitable one in Manitoba. Last year the business received a Visionary Indigenous Business Excellence Award from the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business.
“The success of established urban reserves shows that people want to support First Nations businesses,” said Grand Chief Dumas. “I look forward to seeing more urban reserves throughout the Province of Manitoba.”
Peguis First Nation’s strip malls will be located at 620 Manitoba Avenue in Selkirk and 1075 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg.