The first business on the 60 acre parcel of land owned by Kahkewistahaw First Nation just off Claypool Drive held it grand opening today (Thurs). Chief Evan Taypotat says the opening of Kahkewistahaw Gas and Convenience Store will be the first of about 15 openings on the land over the next five years. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations has moved from their building in the Sutherland area and their grand opening on the urban reserve is Sunday.

The First Nation is planning to build a hotel and convention centre and possibly a hockey rink, and Chief Taypotat says they are also in talks with the Pattison Group about a food market. He invites any First Nations or businesses and organizations who would like to develop on the land to contact them. Taypotat says this is not their first business outside of their First Nation in southern Saskatchewan. They also have businesses in Melville and Yorkton. He considers this another step toward economic sovereignty.

Saskatoon’s Mayor, Charlie Clark says economic development is good for everyone. It has been his experience that when a First Nation makes an investment like this it is good for the First Nation, but it’s also good for the City of Saskatoon.