Tsuut’ina Nation named winner of Canadian Aboriginal Economic Development Award

The Tsuut’ina Nation – Economic Development Lands & South West Ring Road (TNN) is the winner of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Award for 2016.

Tsuut’ina Nation Community is situated along the southwest boundary of the City of Calgary, and as such is well positioned to capitalize on the highly lucrative land development market.

On October 24th, 2013 the Tsuut’ina Nation held an historic referendum that approved the Transportation and Utility Corridor (TUC) Agreement with the Province of Alberta that transferred 1,058 acres of land to the Province for the construction of the final portion of the South West Ring Road.

The signing of this agreement has accelerated the Tsuut’ina Nation’s Economic Master plan to further the economic development potential of its eastern corridor of lands adjacent to the City of Calgary. The approval of this agreement was built largely around the potential economic opportunities that would be available to the Tsuut’ina and surrounding region as a result of the increased access and upgraded transportation connections in and around the City of Calgary.

Tsuut’ina Chief Roy Whitney-Onespot said the ring road project is about future benefits to the Nation.

“The road will stimulate economic development on a major scale – the kind of economic development that is critical to ensuring that our children, grandchildren and future generations have the potential to build successful and prosperous lives here at Tsuut’ina. ”

“Congratulations to the Tsuut’ina Nation on receiving much deserved recognition for foresight that includes important community values that will continue to generate prosperity for generations to come.   Balancing present needs with future concerns is truly a strong foundation on which to address economic challenge and achievement.” said CCAB President and CEO JP Gladu. “The AEDC Award proudly gives all Canadians an opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal business success and its role in creating business certainty and sustainable prosperity.”

CCAB recognizes and thanks Sodexo Canada, the founding and exclusive sponsor for the Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation of the Year Award.

Sodexo is proud to be celebrated as one of the top diversity employers in Canada and a Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Gold Certified company.

“Congratulations to the Tsuut’ina Nation on receiving the 2016 AEDC award,” says Barry Telford, President of Sodexo Canada. “Sodexo proudly serves diverse communities with shared values and vision being a pillar of economic concerns. The rise of Aboriginal Economic Development Corporations such as Tsuut’ina truly signals vital change that is bringing quality of life to their peoples. Sodexo shares their values and applauds their economic achievements.”

The Tsuu’tina Nation commissioned several market studies into the economic development potential of their lands. The reports demonstrated significant development opportunities for the Nation and its members. At a high level, the report indicated the Tsuu’tina Nation has the opportunity to collect potential revenues of $703.9 million, over a 20 year period: $404.1 million in land rent over 20 years and $299.7 million in Commercial Property Taxes and potential of over a thousand jobs generated.

About the award

The AEDC award is the first of its kind in Canada and is designed to shine a light on the important role that Aboriginal corporations are playing in boardrooms and First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across the country. The 3rd Annual Calgary Gala takes place May 11, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Calgary Alberta.