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Winnipeg Free Press
05-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation plans 60 acres of economic expansion
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Gordon Bluesky's field of dreams is one step closer to reality. 'I call it that because I always drive past it and say it's going to be something one day,' he said, standing in front of a 60-acre soybean field on the northeast edge of Winnipeg. The goal is to turn it into 60 acres of residential, commercial and retail development. NICOLE BUFFIE / FREE PRESS Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Gordon Bluesky on the East St. Paul farm field recently designated as reserve land. On Friday, Bluesky announced the parcel of land had been successfully transferred to the Manitoba First Nation from the Rural Municipality of East St. Paul, 16 years after it was initially purchased through a federal Treaty Land Entitlement claim. The land sits within the RM, on the boundary of the City of Winnipeg, east of Highway 59 and south of the Perimeter Highway. Bluesky is eyeing the area as the next opportunity for economic prosperity for Brokenhead and the areas it surrounds. 'We've already increased the land value around our main reserve with the developments that we have there,' the chief said. 'The work that we're going to be doing on these lands doesn't just benefit First Nations people.' The transfer to reserve land is the first step in the site's redevelopment. Next will come consultations with surrounding landowners and community members from Brokenhead to see what is desired for the area. Affordable housing and retail are among the amenities expected to be built on the land, Bluesky said. The parcel is part of 480 acres previously purchased by the First Nation in the late 2000s. It was only recently was transferred to reserve status through the federal claim agreement, with a push by the provincial government through an order in council. Brokenhead also owns land in the RMs of Lac du Bonnet, Alexander and East St. Paul, and within Winnipeg (including the Westwood Village Inn and property on Nairn Avenue which is currently going through the reserve creation process). 'We're trying to fulfill our treaty land entitlement, which is an outstanding obligation from 1871 — our people were promised these lands,' Bluesky said. Federal Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs Rebecca Chartrand (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski) attended the ceremony on behalf of Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty. Chartrand called the transferred land a foundation for community prosperity. 'These new lands open doors, they bring opportunity through jobs, investment and thriving business that lift up entire communities.' NICOLE BUFFIE / FREE PRESS Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson said urban reserves are a testament to the economic sovereignty of First Nations communities and looks forward to seeing more urban First Nations development. Since 2006, more than one million acres across Canada have been transferred to reserves, Chartrand added. In Manitoba, about 10 other First Nations are eyeing transfers through Treaty Land Entitlement claims, which Chartrand said she would help advocate for. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. Bluesky compared the 60-acre parcel to the 160-acre Naawi-Oodena site along a portion of Kenaston Boulevard in south Winnipeg. The former Canadian Armed Forces land is jointly owned by the seven Treaty 1 Nations (Brokenhead, Long Plain, Peguis, Roseau River, Sagkeeng, Sandy Bay and Swan Lake). Naawi-Oodena recently opened its first business at the site: a gas bar/convenience store. Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson said urban reserves are a testament to the economic sovereignty of First Nations communities and she looks forward to seeing more such development. 'We are strong in our business, we're strong in our vision and it's about reclaiming that land and those spaces,' she said. Nicole BuffieMultimedia producer Nicole Buffie is a multimedia producer who reports for the Free Press city desk. Born and bred in Winnipeg, Nicole graduated from Red River College's Creative Communications program in 2020 and worked as a reporter throughout Manitoba before joining the Free Press newsroom in 2023. Read more about Nicole. Every piece of reporting Nicole produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brokenhead Ojibway creates new reserve on outskirts of Winnipeg
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation is expanding its reserve land just outside Winnipeg city limits, in a move the First Nation says will help advance its economic development and self-determination. Almost 25 hectares (60 acres) of land in the rural municipality of East St. Paul, just northeast of Winnipeg, have been added to the First Nation's jurisdiction, its leadership announced Friday. Brokenhead Chief Gordon Bluesky said the Treaty 1 signatory has been negotiating with the federal government for nearly 20 years to create the new reserve, and that the announcement has been a long time coming. "We're trying to fulfil our treaty land entitlement, which is an outstanding obligation from 1871. Our people were promised these lands in 1871," Bluesky said. "We've worked long and hard, and I acknowledge my ancestors for having that foresight in terms of having these opportunities available to us. And I'm just here to carry the ball over the finish line." 'We have lots of ideas' Bluesky said the plot — east of Highway 59 and south of the Perimeter Highway — was purchased in 2009 as part of a larger purchase of over 194 hectares of land in the rural municipality. It's near Na-Sha-Ke-Penais, the three-hectare reserve the First Nation established on land it purchased in East St. Paul around 2002. A news release said the reserve land — primarily agricultural — will be used for traditional uses, including hunting and trapping. Bluesky said the First Nation is also eyeing further economic development. "We have a lot of ideas," he said. "A lot of that is centrally focused on us getting services here to this site. But essentially, we're looking at some mixed residential, some commercial, some retail." The chief said the area could become a suburb of Winnipeg eventually as the city grows, but there's a lot of infrastructure required before shovels go into the ground. A 'historic milestone' Federal Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand said there's a lot of bridge-building the federal government must do with First Nations communities. "There's still 10 communities here in Manitoba that are looking to advance their treaty land entitlements," she said. "These are communities that we definitely want to support." Chris Henderson leads the Treaty Land Entitlement Committee of Manitoba, and helps First Nations get land promised by the Crown. He said the announcement is part of a historic process toward recognizing First Nations' inherent right to govern their land. "These three parcels that were set aside earlier this year, they now fall under the inventory and the jurisdiction of Brokenhead to do with as they please. They don't need anybody's permission," he said. "That is a historic milestone."
CBC
05-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Brokenhead Ojibway creates new reserve on outskirts of Winnipeg
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation is expanding its reserve land just outside Winnipeg city limits, in a move the First Nation says will help advance its economic development and self-determination. Almost 25 hectares (60 acres) of land in the rural municipality of East St. Paul, just northeast of Winnipeg, have been added to the First Nation's jurisdiction, its leadership announced Friday. Brokenhead Chief Gordon Bluesky said the Treaty 1 signatory has been negotiating with the federal government for nearly 20 years to create the new reserve, and that the announcement has been a long time coming. "We're trying to fulfil our treaty land entitlement, which is an outstanding obligation from 1871. Our people were promised these lands in 1871," Bluesky said. "We've worked long and hard, and I acknowledge my ancestors for having that foresight in terms of having these opportunities available to us. And I'm just here to carry the ball over the finish line." 'We have lots of ideas' Bluesky said the plot — east of Highway 59 and south of the Perimeter Highway — was purchased in 2009 as part of a larger purchase of over 194 hectares of land in the rural municipality. It's near Na-Sha-Ke-Penais, the three-hectare reserve the First Nation established on land it purchased in East St. Paul around 2002. A news release said the reserve land — primarily agricultural — will be used for traditional uses, including hunting and trapping. Bluesky said the First Nation is also eyeing further economic development. "We have a lot of ideas," he said. "A lot of that is centrally focused on us getting services here to this site. But essentially, we're looking at some mixed residential, some commercial, some retail." The chief said the area could become a suburb of Winnipeg eventually as the city grows, but there's a lot of infrastructure required before shovels go into the ground. A 'historic milestone' Federal Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand said there's a lot of bridge-building the federal government must do with First Nations communities. "There's still 10 communities here in Manitoba that are looking to advance their treaty land entitlements," she said. "These are communities that we definitely want to support." Chris Henderson leads the Treaty Land Entitlement Committee of Manitoba, and helps First Nations get land promised by the Crown. He said the announcement is part of a historic process toward recognizing First Nations' inherent right to govern their land. "These three parcels that were set aside earlier this year, they now fall under the inventory and the jurisdiction of Brokenhead to do with as they please. They don't need anybody's permission," he said. "That is a historic milestone."
Cision Canada
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation and Canada announce new Addition to Reserve in Manitoba Français
BROKENHEAD OJIBWAY NATION, MB, Treaty 1 Territory, July 4, 2025 /CNW/ - Adding land to reserves contributes to First Nations development of healthier, more sustainable communities, which benefits both their own and neighbouring communities. Today, Chief Gordon Bluesky of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation and the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced the expansion of the First Nation's land base through the Addition to Reserve process. A parcel of land in the Rural Municipality of East St. Paul, totalling 60.76 acres (24.59 hectares), was recently added to Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. The parcel is primarily agricultural and will provide land for traditional use such as hunting, trapping, and gathering, as well as economic development opportunities. In addition to the economic opportunities, reserve creation demonstrates Canada's ongoing work to respect Treaty obligations and advance reconciliation based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. This new reserve creation is another important step to advancing reconciliation and building a stronger, more united Canada in partnership with First Nations. Quotes "Today we have reached another economic milestone for our Baaskaandibewiziibing Anishinaabe, in seeing the partial fulfillment of our outstanding Treaty Land Entitlement. My Council and I look forward to the continued collaboration with the Federal and Provincial governments in fulfilling our Treaty obligations. I give thanks to all the past leadership in helping us get to where we are today. Meegwetch." Chief Gordon BlueSky Brokenhead Ojibway Nation "Through the expansion of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation's land base, we are not only advancing Reconciliation and fulfilling past obligations under the Treaty Land Entitlement process, we're also creating new opportunities for growth and development. In doing so, we're building a stronger, more resilient, united Canada." The Honourable Rebecca Alty Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "Today's announcement is the result of the planning and hard work of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. The addition of land to reserve will enhance opportunities for economic growth and support the Nation's development goals. I wish Chief Bluesky and Brokenhead Ojibway Nation great success and look forward to seeing the positive role this will have on the community." The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty Minister of Indigenous Services Quick facts Additions to Reserve and Reserve Creation are part of the Government of Canada's overall efforts to advance reconciliation by facilitating First Nation self-sufficiency. This parcel was added to Brokenhead Ojibway Nation's land base to fulfill obligations under the Treaty Land Entitlement process. Brokenhead Ojibway Nation is located approximately 64 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. The community has a population of 693 members living on-reserve, with a total population of 2,301. Associated links Stay connected Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada: X: @GCIndigenous GovCan – North Facebook: @GCIndigenous GovCan – North Instagram: @gcindigenous GovCan North You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Winnipeg Free Press
08-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Brokenhead starts heat pump program, creates jobs
SCANTERBURY — Brokenhead Ojibway Nation has launched a partnership with Efficiency Manitoba and Indigenous-led fund manager Raven Outcomes to improve home heating and cooling efficiency in the community, while creating jobs for its residents. The Crown corporation will kick in $1.89 million through the First Nation's newly created BON Energy. The cash will pay for heat pump installations and other upgrades to 100 homes to drastically reduce heating and cooling costs. 'The milestone we are reaching today is not only the reduction of our consumption, but also the creation of BON Energy and what it's going to do for our community,' Chief Gordon Bluesky said. 'Once we start getting successful in these installations, our hope is to move on and start helping other communities and to expand this project.' Colleen Kuruluk, the CEO of Efficiency Manitoba, said homeowners could save $900 to $1,200 annually. 'I suspect this announcement and the announcement of significant funding will definitely create some more interest with the partners we have,' she said, noting discussions are underway with other First Nations. A formal call for interest will be issued soon. The Crown corporation has earmarked $18.9 million to be spent from its community heat pump program by 2029. Raven Outcomes is fronting $7 million to Brokenhead to carry out the work, which is slated to begin next month and be conducted in the next two summers. 'The project demonstrates the strength of Indigenous-led solutions in tackling complex challenges,' said Jeff Cyr, founding and managing partner of Raven. Ground source heat pumps, the centrepiece of the upgrades, work by circulating a heat-transfer fluid through underground pipes. The system draws warmth from the earth in winter and reverses the process in summer to cool homes — using a stable underground temperature to regulate indoor climate efficiently. Installation typically takes one to two days, though planning can take longer depending on each site. Seven members of Brokenhead have completed a two-week training certification in pump installation and maintenance. Funding is available to train five additional workers. 'It's going to help out our community long-term, and I hope I can help do that,' said Colby Bruyere, a Brokenhead member who worked security at South Beach Casino and Resort for 12 years before taking the new job. 'Hopefully, we can reach out to other communities with learning the process. Hopefully, our experience carries over.' Scott BilleckReporter Scott Billeck is a general assignment reporter for the Free Press. A Creative Communications graduate from Red River College, Scott has more than a decade's worth of experience covering hockey, football and global pandemics. He joined the Free Press in 2024. Read more about Scott. Every piece of reporting Scott produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
