Multi-tourism park to provide First Nation experience

Chief Cameron Alexis is confident that a recent partnership between his First Nation and the federal government will keep the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation moving forward on its quest for economic independence.

“We hope that this initiative will bear fruit and we hope that it does create employment and is long term sustainability,” Alexis said.

The federal government is contributing $3 million to a $4.3 million multi-tourism park, which will be opened on Alexis Nakota land near Whitecourt. The park will be owned and operated by the First Nation and the band is contributing the remaining $1.3 million for the project.

“This is something quite exciting,” said Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister John Duncan, who was in Edmonton last month to announce the joint investment. “It will celebrate the heritage of Canada’s unique cultures and invest in the future.”

Duncan said the investment was in keeping with the federal framework the government announced in 2009 that outlines how the government will work with Aboriginal people to provide economic opportunities.

“Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation’s multi-tourism park is a clear example of what can be achieved when we work in partnership … Through these investments new businesses, jobs and partnerships are being created, increasing the participation of Aboriginal communities in their regions’ economic opportunities and in turn boosting Canada’s economy,” Duncan said.

Alexis says over 30 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase of the park, with six to 10 permanent positions to follow. The first phase of the project is scheduled to be completed next March. The park will include 300 RV stalls, 100 campsites and 50 rental cabins. It will also deliver a full First Nations experience with Elders to provide teachings and medicinal tours; Native crafts-learning offered to youth; horseback tours to trap lines and cultural sites; and dancing and drumming events on special occasions. The entrance sign will include Alexis Nakota carvings and colours, and streets and lots will be named after historical Alexis Nakota figures.

Alexis says employment and spinoff opportunities created by the park will not be limited to the First Nation.

“The RV park and campground is a segue to perhaps more employment for all our people as well as other Aboriginal groups and other stakeholders within the surrounding area,” he said. “When we look at employment drivers, economic drivers, self-sustainability we just don’t look at Alexis, we look at everybody. We try to work together with all levels of government.”

Money generated by the park, which Alexis expects to hit $150,000 to $200,000 per year within five years, will go into a fund to be administered by Chief and council.

The park is not the first economic venture undertaken by the Alexis Nakota. A Husky truck stop and the Eagle River Casino have been in operation for the past few years.

Alexis says the Alexis Nakota’s inclusion in the First Nations Land Management Regime earlier this year, which allows the band to opt out of 34 sections of the Indian Act and create its own land code, is an asset for further development.

“Having four distinct tracts of land that are very spread out, our own land code is very crucial at this time,” he said. Those lands are located near Alberta Beach, Whitecourt, Edson and Hinton.
Alexis says the First Nation is considering developing Horse Island, which is a “beautiful tract of land.” Also on the development agenda for consideration is a biomass power plant.