tsuut’ina nation comes to an agreement

Taza’s story begins when 69% of Tsuut’ina Nation vote in favour of the Southwest Calgary Ring Road agreement. As part of the agreement, the Tsuut’ina Nation sells 1,058 acres of land to the Province of Alberta for ring road expansion, which will create eight major access points from Calgary to the First Nation. In exchange, Tsuut’ina Nation receives 5,338 acres of crown land and $550 million.

tsuut’ina nation takes a vote

The citizens of Tsuut’ina Nation vote 80% in favour of initiating a high-level Economic Development Master Plan. That means the Tsuut’ina people have formally decided to designate 1,200 acres along the Nation’s eastern border (directly accessible from the new Southwest Calgary Ring Road) for commercial development. Now, they need a partner who can make this a reality.

Tsuut’ina Nation Partners with Canderel

After a competitive process, the Tsuut’ina Nation selects Canderel—an experienced Canadian real estate developer—as its partner for this development project. Both are seeking a genuine, long-term partnership, and both are committed to creating a world-class development.

The Team Takes a Fact-Finding Trip

To learn from other successful Indigenous developments, the Canderel team goes to Arizona. Here, they tour the Talking Stick Resort and Casino, a luxury development built, owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community on their Reservation land. The resort features Indigenous-inspired architectural details and is home to a Cultural Centre showcasing Indigenous artwork.

Tsuut’ina Nation Holds a Community Charrette

The charrette (a collaborative planning process that invites participation from all interested parties) welcomes 38 Tsuut’ina Nation citizens representing several families. Participants focus on naming and branding for the new development, and Canderel is introduced to the Tsuut’ina community for the first time.

Land Codes and Legal Details

With support from Canderel, Tsuut’ina Nation begins the process of developing its own Land Code. A Land Code allows a First Nations community in Canada to transition away from the 44 sections of the Indian Act that relate to land management. With its own Land Code, Tsuut’ina Nation can develop its own laws about land use. It can also embrace cultural and economic development opportunities overseen by new land management authorities.

The Development Gets a Master Plan

Canderel presents Master Plan Land Uses for Chief Lee Crowchild and the Tsuut’ina Nation Council to review. This document establishes the long-term vision and framework for the land, showing the approximate location of the development and laying out guidance for land use.

Tsuut’ina Nation Announces Development Plans

With a public announcement and a ceremonial signing, Tsuut’ina Nation shares the news of its partnership with Canderel, along with its plan to develop 1,200 acres of land into three distinct Community Villages. The project gains national coverage for its vision to create opportunities and socioeconomic prosperity for generations of Tsuut’ina Nation people. Meanwhile, construction begins on Buffalo Run Boulevard.

Tsuut’ina Trail Gets Its Name

After using the name informally for years, the stretch of the Southwest Calgary Ring Road between Glenmore Trail and Fish Creek Park officially becomes Tsuut’ina Trail. The name recognizes the historical, cultural and spiritual significance of the Tsuut’ina Nation land the road passes through.

We Are Taza

In the traditional Dene story of The Woman Who Married a Star (sometimes called Starboy), “Taza” is an expression of wonder and anticipation. This spirit of amazed excitement is exactly what we aspire to create, and that’s why this name was chosen by Tsuut’ina elders. It was officially gifted to our organization by Bryce Starlight, our Vice President of Development.

Taza Is Announced

In a presentation at the Calgary Real Estate Forum—the city’s largest annual real estate industry event—we announce Taza as the name of our development. We also introduce the three distinct community villages we’ll be creating. The launch of Taza leads to the creation of the Tsuut’ina Development Authority, an organization that currently employs five people, four of whom are Tsuut’ina Nation citizens.

Meanwhile, Taza begins assessing potential project development partners, the initial master plan for Taza is finalized and officials continue working to finalize the land use plan and design guidelines.

Tsuut’ina Nation Hosts a Historic Dinner Series

As the Tsuut’ina Nation formally accepts Taza design guidelines and land use zoning, Chief Lee Crowchild invites Calgary to dinner. The city’s business, arts, innovation and community leaders visit Taza for a series of four events, where they engage with Tsuut’ina culture and learn the Nation’s vision for the future. The series includes a bus tour of the future Ring Road and community village sites, as well as the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex and Chief Jim Starlight Centre that will open later in the year.

Taza Hosts an Open House for Lakeview

The community of Lakeview is just north of the Glenmore Reservoir in Calgary, bordered by Crowchild Trail and the Tsuut’ina Nation. In the spirit of neighbourliness, Taza holds an open house barbecue on National Aboriginal Day, inviting Lakeview residents to gather, engage and discuss issues and questions related to the development. More than 650 people came to share food and ideas.

The Taza Head Lease Is Finalized

Legal paperwork is less dramatic than pouring concrete, but it’s just as necessary to a development’s foundation. The Taza Park Head Lease is the master document between Taza and the Crown that governs the use of Taza Park lands. With this document in place, Tsuut’ina Nation can officially enter into sublease agreements.

Shovels In the Ground

The vision begins to take form! Following an opening ceremony with prayer and song, workers break ground near Buffalo Run Boulevard between Anderson Road and 130 Avenue SW. This site will become The Shops at Buffalo Run, a 257,000-sq.ft retail centre for shopping, casual dining and services.

Tsuut’ina Nation Approves Development Legislation

Another important milestone for Taza—the Tsuut’ina Development Authority passes the full suite of legislation related to development approval. This means Taza’s commercial tenants will have clearly defined laws (similar to those of surrounding jurisdictions) while falling within First Nations legislation (i.e. the Indian Act).

Tsuut’ina Nation Helps to Create a Design Course

Interchange: Cross Culture Approaches to Design is a new senior studio course offered at the University of Calgary School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape—and it’s the first course of its kind. Developed in collaboration with the Tsuut’ina Nation, the course takes a cross-cultural approach to urban and community design, exploring traditional Indigenous ways of knowing and living with Western approaches to design and sustainability. 

With Tsuut’ina cultural consultant Hal Eagletail as a co-instructor, students take guided field trips to the Nation and use the Taza development site as the area of focus for their designs. Canderel professionals take part in periodic design reviews on a panel of invited experts, as students learn approaches to incorporating Western and Indigenous knowledge in their work.

Meanwhile, the Colorado chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects awards Taza Park a 2019 Merit Award for Planning.

Taza’s First Tenant

It’s an eventful month. Costco becomes Taza’s first tenant, closing on a 18.6-acre site in Buffalo Run. Development design guidelines are officially published, outlining land uses and design criteria for Taza. A series of development laws and procedures are announced, including a Civic Services department that will issue development, building and occupancy permits. And Tsuu’tina Public Works and the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Services (Tosguna) formally agree to provide necessary services for Taza.

Costco’s Record-Breaking Opening

COVID-19 arrives, but work continues to move forward. The first anchor tenant at The Shops at Buffalo Run opens, marking a milestone for Taza—we’re open for business! The evening before the opening, Tsuut’ina Elders hold a blessing ceremony to mark the occasion and create good energy for all visitors. Costco’s opening weekend smashes records when it becomes the highest-performing location in Western Canada.

Tsuut’ina Trail Opens

This 12 km stretch of the Southwest Calgary Ring Road—officially known as Tsuut’ina Trail— opens, marking a major milestone in this massive infrastructure project. The road, which will eventually encircle Calgary with 101 km of highway, has been in discussion for nearly 70 years.

Read the Calgary Herald story

The Award-Winning Taza Water Reservoir and Pumphouse

Calgary’s growth has strained the ability of the Bow and Elbow Rivers to provide for the needs of the Tsuut’ina Nation. The Taza Water Reservoir and Pumphouse replaces aged infrastructure and provides a consistent source of potable water for the Nation. Designed for sustainability and as a source of cultural expression, the project is inspired by the connection between the Tsuut’ina people (known as the “Beaver people”) and the water. 

The project wins the 2020 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence.

Read the Canadian Architect Magazine story

The Bridging Connection Program Begins

Taza launches Bridging Connection, a program that facilitates creative collaborations between artists and businesses in Taza’s community villages. The program launches with an online call for creatives to design artwork for roadside flags, which will highlight Tsuut’ina cultural influences and build brand awareness for The Shops at Buffalo Run. Artists Nathan Meguinis and Josh Starlight are selected. 

The Taza Experience Centre Opens

A Facebook Live grand opening takes visitors on a virtual tour of the Experience Centre at 7 Chiefs Sportsplex. It’s a dedicated space where community members can connect and learn more about Taza. It’s also designed to host events and programs, from career employment sessions to Tsuut’ina Nation cultural celebrations. At the grand opening, Taza announces the Bridging Connection Program. 

New Tenants at Taza

With anchor Costco open (and thriving), The Shops at Buffalo Run are attracting new businesses. Soon, the retail centre will be home to casual dining including Tim Hortons, Happy Cup Bubble Tea, TiNi Vietnamese and BarBurrito; shops like Dollarama; and services including BMO, Lavish Nails, Buffalo Run Dental and Complete Health Chiropractic & Massage. 

Taza Celebrates Five Years

A series of public events mark our five-year anniversary, beginning with a tipi-raising ceremony on the grounds of the Brown Bear Woman Centre. Taza Talks: The Spirit of Genuine Partnership is the first of two panel discussions looking back on the values and choices that shaped the development. It’s closely followed by Taza Talks: Building a Legacy. Meanwhile, the first Bridging Connections Outdoor Artist and Vendor Market gathers 25 artists and vendors and more than 400 guests at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Taza Park

A celebratory ceremony marks the start of construction for Taza Park, the first of Taza’s community villages. Tsuut’ina leaders, members of the Calgary business community and the whole Taza team are there when the first shovels pierce the ground. On the same day, Taza announces that major auto dealerships Metro Ford and Big 4 Motors will be the first commercial anchor tenants at Taza Park.

Taza’s Bryce Starlight Is a Featured Speaker at Forward Summit 2022

More than 100 thought leaders in Indigenous relations and business gather at Grey Eagle Resort and Casino for an annual event centered on progressing economic reconciliation. The Summit hosts more than 1,000 participants, who pick up insights at talks and panel discussions, share ideas during networking breaks and explore the creations of Indigenous artisans. Bryce Starlight, Taza’s Vice President of Development, is a featured speaker.

Taza Opens Transit Talks

Taza’s community villages are designed for connectivity—and that means transit services. The Tsuut’ina Nation Band Council authorizes the City of Calgary’s Intergovernmental Affairs Committee to open a conversation with Calgary Transit. This is the first step in developing transit routes to locations in Taza’s community villages.

Read the Calgary Herald story

Taza Welcomes President James Robertson

James Robertson, a leader in community development, joins Taza as our new President. The former President and CEO of the University of Calgary Properties Group, James led the development of the University District master plan. To Taza, he brings deep experience transforming Crown land into a vibrant mixed-use community—along with energy and enthusiasm that will help move the Taza vision forward.

Read the Calgary Herald story

Fasken Opens at Tsuut’ina

International business law firm Fasken opens in Taza—its first office on First Nations land. The firm chose the location strategically, as part of an effort to deepen connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. The office is intended to be a welcoming space for discussion and consultation.

Read the Fasken blog post

Grand Opening for The Shops at Buffalo Run

The official launch of this lively retail district brings together hundreds of community members and visitors. The theme of the day is Blossom and Bloom, inspired by the crocus—a symbol of growth and change. Since its first shops opened in 2022, The Shops at Buffalo Run have created an estimated 750 employment opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous job seekers. 

The First Canderel SuperHero Dash YYC

A five-kilometre adventure through Taza Park raises funds to support the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Participants dress as heroes and walk, run or dash (or fly) to the finish line. New to Calgary, the event is part of the Canderel Challenge, an annual fundraiser that has supported cancer research for more than 35 years.

Taza Makes the Indigenomics 10 to Watch List

We’re extremely proud to be recognized by the Indigenomics Institute, an Indigenous economic advisory. Its annual award goes to initiatives that are demonstrating excellence and leadership in advancing the Indigenous economy. It’s deeply meaningful to our organization to know we’re making a difference.

See the Indigenomics list