Business pumps Heart Lake economy

Page 15

With the snip of a ribbon and the slicing of a cake, the Heart Lake First Nation opened its band-owned truck stop and restaurant on Feb. 17.

The Aboriginal community in northeastern Alberta hopes to pump up its economic development with the new business.

The official opening of the new enterprise, sitting alongside secondary high-way 881, 50 km north of Lac La Biche, took place with local, provincial and federal dignitaries on hand.

Located on 22 acres of Heart Lake First Nation reserve land, the new business is ready to fill vehicle gas tanks with fuel. They also have the facilities to fill drivers with food from the restaurant and convenience store.

The new business is a step toward a brighter future for the northern Alberta reserve and its 240 members, said Heart Lake Chief Morris Monias.

"It's a small step to some kind of economic prosperity for our band," said Monias, adding that more developments like the truck stop need to come from the Aboriginal community.

"I think we can do a lot more in achieving our economic goals and looking to our future. The past is gone. We can't do anything about it, but the future holds a lot for Heart Lake," said Monias.

Johl Ready, an economic development officer with Indian affairs, was impressed with the progressive step taken by Heart Lake.

"I hope to be back in another year or two at another opening," said Ready.

His statements may not be too far off the mark. Just minutes after cutting the ribbon on the truck stop, there was already talk of expansion.

"The chief is talking to me about expansion already," said George Arcand Jr., associate regional director for Indian affairs.

The new business is a shot in the arm for all Aboriginal people, he said

"For once we have First Nations people owning these things, and I think it's a good sign," said Arcand.

Eddy Makosis, the economic development officer with the Tribal Chiefs Association, encouraged the Aboriginal community to continue their economic growth.

"There's a future ahead of us, for the whole community," said Makosis. "I think it's going to pay off. We always have to look to the future."

Gas for the new truck stop is supplied by the Aboriginal Gas Co-op that will be stored in a 20,000 litre tank. Diesel will also be at the pumps, stored in a 15,000 litre tank.

The business will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and staffed by three full-time and three part-time workers, said manager Esther Stedman.

The employment opportunities and convenience for Heart Lake residents is a big bonus, said Stedman.

"It puts money into the community as well, and gives them a sense of belonging and ownership," she said.

With the ribbon and cake cutting ceremony out of the way, Heart Lake is just waiting for the heavy truck traffic and the local commuters to stop in for a some coffee or a meal.

"Everyone is welcome to come and spend your money here anytime," said Chief Monias.