A grant from the provincial government of $700,000 has been given to Loon River First Nation to help construct a full-service truck stop. The new truck stop is open for business, and has created 29 permanent full-time jobs. The grant was provided through the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund.
The new truck stop was visited by Minister of Indigenous Relations, Richard Feehan, Loon River First Nation Chief Bernadette Sharpe, Lesser Slave Lake MLA Danielle Larivee and Grand Chief of Treaty 8 Arthur Noskey.
MLA Danielle Larivee says she attended the ground breaking of the truck stop not long ago, and that this project will provide valuable work experience to young people in the community.
“We’re really excited to help, it’s an important part of reconciliation,” says Larivee.
Loon River First Nation Chief Bernadette Sharpe says plans have been in the works for this project for about 6 years. She notes that it didn’t take long to find employees for the truck stop.
“The interest from the community was great, as far as filling positions, finding our own managers, and finding the workforce to fill the necessary positions,” says Sharpe.
Chief Sharpe explains the community is proud to add the truck stop to their list of six other businesses owned entirely by Loon Lake First Nation. She adds this project opens up other future investments.
“The elders say ‘Piko ka akameetamuk,'” says Sharpe. “Meaning, we must keep making the effort. This is just another step for other things to come.”
