Oodena Gas & Convenience Opens at Naawi-Oodena
Treaty One Nations Launch Historic First Nation-led Economic Development Project. A New Hub for Community, Commerce, and Culture.
BY MELINE BEACH
A convenience store and gas station offer more than a place to grab a snack or fill the tank; it forms the heartbeat of a community where neighbours gather and run errands. Guided by a vision to build a business that would generate sustainable revenue, a gas station with an integrated convenience store was the clear and strategic choice for the Treaty One Nations’ first self-owned development project.
Oodena Gas & Convenience recently celebrated its grand opening after years of planning, consultation, and collaboration with key stakeholders. Owned collectively by the seven Treaty One First Nations and located at 1871 Taylor Avenue, Oodena Gas & Convenience offers competitive fuel pricing and convenience goods to both Status First Nation members and non-Indigenous customers alike. The new store is the first fully operational, First Nation-owned enterprise to open on the 109 acres of reclaimed lands, which is situated on one of Winnipeg’s busiest corridors. Its address number of 1871 symbolizes the year Treaty No. 1 was signed.
In a July 25, 2025, press release, Chief Gordon BlueSky, chairperson, Treaty One Nations, stated: “This opening is the beginning of something much larger. It’s a return to the original spirit and intent of Treaty No. 1, signed 154 years ago – a vision where First Nations and newcomers live and work on these lands as partners, not adversaries. We are reclaiming that vision and building it into reality.”
Oodena Gas & Convenience operates daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and offers full service across 16 pumps and two 100 kW Level 3 fast charging stations. After 11 p.m., customers can conveniently prepay at a pass-through window, ensuring safety and efficiency. Plans are already in place to move to 24-hour service.
Indigenous Design, Talent, and Trade
From an aesthetic standpoint, the building’s design sets it apart from typical gas stations. The exterior features Luca Bond metal siding in a shifting ocean blue hue that changes with the light, paired with longboard wood finishes that lend a natural, modern feel. The high-quality finishes are a point of pride for Treaty One, reflecting the principle of striving for a higher standard in all that they do.
An Indigenous interior designer collaborated with architects to carefully weave subtle cultural elements into the convenience store’s décor, reflecting First Nation culture and values. Signage appears in both English and Anishinaabemowin (the traditional language of the Anishinaabe peoples, also known as Ojibwemowin, Ojibwe, Ojibwa, or Chippewa), for everyday items like ATMs and refrigerators. The logo and colour palette of green, yellow, and blue mirror the Treaty One Nations’ flag, which symbolizes the promise: “As long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow.” This promise describes the everlasting nature of the treaty relationship between First Nations, the Crown, and all who call Canada home.
From L to R: Roman McDougall; Austin Prince; Felicia Marsden; Treaty One Business Development Corporation Business Justin Schroeder; Oodena Gas & Convenience Store Manager Tyrell Courchene; Trayson Starr; Austin Abraham; Kiannia Grisdale; Aroha BlueSky
The store’s product selection is equally intentional. Merchandise is curated with an emphasis on Indigenous-owned suppliers, Indigenous producers, and local artisans. Shoppers will find a variety of unique products from suppliers throughout Canada.
Oodena Gas & Convenience sources its fuel through Northern Lights Petroleum, an Indigenous-owned distributor that partners with Petro-Canada and Shell, highlighting its commitment to supporting Indigenous businesses throughout the supply chain.
With a strong focus on hiring First Nation community members, Oodena Gas & Convenience employs 25 people. Recruitment efforts included targeted outreach through social media, local Indigenous organizations, and word-of-mouth, resulting in a 25-person workforce that is 96 per cent First Nation peoples, of which 84 per cent are Treaty One First Nation members.
From Land to Legacy
Oodena Gas & Convenience is the result of decades of persistence. The land was part of a 160-acre parcel, previously the Kapyong Barracks military base which was decommissioned over 20 years ago. Following a 20-year legal battle—part of the broader Treaty Land Entitlement process that addresses outstanding land promises made under Canada’s historical treaties—109 acres of the lands were repatriated to the seven Treaty One First Nations in 2022. Following a Comprehensive Settlement Agreement with the Government of Canada that outlined the way the Kapyong lands would be distributed, nearby neighbourhoods were consulted in over 100 meetings to guide its early planning phases and inform the community of Treaty One’s vision. While the full site will eventually include retail, office space, and mixed-use residential development, Treaty One Nations deliberately began with Oodena Gas & Convenience because it could develop quickly, provide immediate employment opportunities, and generate revenue to fund future projects.
Financing came through a commercial loan, with Indigenous Services Canada contributing funding for the business case and design. The projected return on investment for the gas station and convenience store is 10 years, and early performance indicates this target is on schedule.
According to Cody Mercer, chief development officer of the Treaty One Development Corporation, feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding customer service. “Customer service is central to our operation’s success, and we recognize its importance to building loyalty and repeat business.”
Looking to the near future, plans are already in motion to add a single automatic carwash by next spring, with additional automotive services under consideration.
From L to R: Province of Manitoba Manitoba Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures and MLA for Keewatinook, Ian Bushie; Southern Chiefs’ Organization Youth Chief Lacy Bird; Treaty One Nations Knowledge Keeper Council Representative for Peguis First Nation Jim Sinclair; Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels; Swan Lake First Nation Chief Jason Daniels; Treaty One Development Corporation Board Member Dennis Meeches; Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Gordon BlueSky, Treaty One Nations Chairperson; RRAFN Councillor Evan Grant Roberts; Peguis First Nation Chief Stan Bird; Treaty One Nation Urban Planner David Thomas, Southern Chiefs’ Organization Youth Chief Billy Bird, Treaty One Devvelopment Corporation CEO Kathleen BlueSky, Treaty One Nations Director of Operations Blair Strong
Mercer appreciates the Treaty One Nations’ forward-looking approach, noting, “Every time we complete a project, we look at the next one. Every investment we make is about sustainability and future growth. This venture creates immediate revenues while building a foundation for larger-scale economic development across the jointly held Treaty One lands. It is only the beginning of an exciting future for our Treaty One communities.”
While the Oodena Gas & Convenience Store marks only the first phase of a larger vision, it represents far more than a commercial venture.
In the same July 25, 2025, press release, Chief E.J. Fontaine, president of the Treaty One Development Corporation, stated: “Today marks a powerful step forward in economic development and self-determination for our Treaty One Nations. Oodena Gas & Convenience Store is a symbol of opportunity, sustainability, and growth. It reflects our commitment to building a strong, vibrant future for our people, by our people. We’re proud to welcome everyone to Naawi-Oodena, where community and commerce meet with purpose.”
With its doors now open, Oodena Gas & Convenience is fueling cars, charging batteries, supporting local businesses, and bringing neighbours together. As the first phase of Naawi-Oodena’s development, Oodena Gas & Convenience represents a model for First Nation-led economic development and self-determination, combining operational excellence, cultural pride, and community engagement. By integrating strategic planning, workforce development, and supply chain partnerships, Treaty One Nations has created a blueprint for future projects that will foster long-term economic growth and create an inclusive community hub for generations to come.
Meline Beach is a Toronto-based communications practitioner and frequent contributor to Convenience and Carwash Canada. In addition to freelance writing, Meline provides communications and public relations support to businesses across Canada. She can be reached at www.mlbcomms.ca.
