Bearspaw First Nation Announces Development of the Eden Valley Travel Centre

Press Release

November 5, 2025

(Eden Valley, Alberta) – The Bearspaw First Nation is proud to announce the upcoming development of the Eden Valley Travel Centre, a modern, community-driven service and retail hub designed to support local economic growth, job creation, and long-term sustainability for our Nation and the surrounding region.

This initiative marks another significant milestone in Bearspaw First Nation’s ongoing efforts to build a strong, self-sustaining local economy rooted in opportunity, partnership, and cultural pride. The new Travel Centre will offer essential services to travelers, residents, and regional visitors, featuring a fuel station, convenience store, and local artisan retail space that will showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of Bearspaw members.

Following more than 20 years of negotiations with the Province of Alberta, Bearspaw First Nation successfully gained fee simple title to its lands adjacent to the Eden Valley Reserve in 2022. The Nation’s subdivision application was recently confirmed by the MD of Foothills, passing First Reading. Bearspaw has also worked diligently over the past three years with the MD of Foothills to redesignate a portion of the land from Agricultural District to Community Commercial District. Second and Third Reading was affirmed November 5, 2025, after which construction is expected to begin.

Chief Darcy Dixon emphasized the importance of this development as part of Bearspaw’s broader vision for community prosperity: “The Eden Valley Travel Centre represents more than just a business investment — it is a symbol of our Nation’s determination to take control of our economic future. This project will create employment, strengthen local capacity, and provide meaningful opportunities for our members while welcoming all who visit our traditional lands.” Bearspaw CEO Rob Shotclose added, “This project is a major step forward for a community that has historically been underserved in essential services and the kinds of local jobs and opportunities that come with them.”

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with completion targeted for early 2027. The project will include training and employment opportunities for Bearspaw members throughout the construction and operations phases. The Travel Centre will serve as a key component in Bearspaw’s long-term economic diversification plan, complementing ongoing developments in Mînî Thnî and the Nation’s other strategic projects across Treaty 7 territory.

Funding for this initiative is being made possible through a combination of Bearspaw First Nation investments and partnerships with both public and private sector contributors committed to advancing Indigenous economic development in Alberta.

Further details on project timelines, partnerships, and employment opportunities will be announced in the coming months.

For Further Information:
Bearspaw First Nation
P.O. Box 1050, Mînî Thnî, AB T0L 1N0
Email: Robs@bearspawfirstnation.com
Tel: (587) 777-8556

IBF5