Taza News Archives

You and/or your kid could be the next voice on a Taza informative video!

The Project:

We’re working on an informative video which explains the benefits of having clean, sustainable water at Tsuut’ina. This will be an animated video and we would love one of our own Tsuut’ina Nation members to grace the voice acting.

Who can apply:

All adults are welcome to apply
Children from age 6 upwards are welcome to apply

How To Apply:

Step 1: Record you and/or your superstar reciting the audition text below

Step 2: Send the recording as an attachment to [email protected]

Step 3: Ensure the email subject is: Clean Water at Tsuut’ina

Selection:

The Taza team will select one voice actor from all applications using the following criteria;

Articulate enunciation in delivery of lines
Passion and emotion in the voice
Natural flow and timing in delivery of lines
Confidence

Honorarium:

There will be a cash honorarium for the selected voice actor.

Audition Text:

A long time ago, when the earth was green

and there was more kinds of animals than you’ve ever seen,

and they run around free while the world was being’ born,

and the loveliest of all was the Unicorn.

There were green alligators and long-necked geese.

There were humpy bumpy camels and chimpanzees.

There was cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you’re born

The loveliest of all was the Unicorn.

In partnership with the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre & Taza, local artists, makers, and business owners participate in the first annual two-day holiday market at Tsuut’ina Nation

This December, the first annual holiday market launches at Tsuut’ina Nation. Christmas at the Nation takes place the weekend of December 11th and 12th at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre. In partnership with Taza, this family-friendly market supports an array of Indigenous and community vendors, along with curated food trucks, special appearances from holiday characters and drop-in outdoor skating.

“We are very excited to be launching our first-ever holiday market and hosting an estimated 60 vendors, with over 30 Indigenous vendors” states Wayne Sugai, General Manager of the the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre. “The field house boasts 45,000 square feet, a great spacious indoor space for shopping and to celebrate the holiday season.”

Holiday shoppers can shop local and expect goods from some of the following vendors: Rider Native Art, Come Thunder Woman Designs, Eagle Spirit Gifts, Angel Mae Pottery, Vigor & Virtue and Ellspins.

Drop-in family skating will be available at the outdoor rink each day, with the opportunity to skate with the Grinch between 1pm - 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Makes for a fun holiday family photo.

In partnership with Taza’s Bridging Connection Program, which connects Tsuut’ina artists with Taza tenants, two local artists will be highlighted at the market; Stephanie One Spot from S.O.S Designs and Alberta Otter from Wild Rose Creations. All attendees will receive a complimentary print from one of the artists upon entry to the market.

To ensure the utmost safety for visitors and vendors, the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex is participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program; all artists, food vendors, volunteers, staff and guests will be required to show the unique QR code for proof of double vaccination. Masks will be mandatory.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Christmas At The Nation

When: December 11 and 12, 11 AM to 6 PM

Where: 7 Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre

Admission: $8 per person with free entry for kids 12 and under.. Purchase in advance at https://ChristmasAtTheNation.ca or tickets available at the door

Parking: Free parking

For more information, please visit: https://christmasatthenation.ca/

A common vision and strong partnerships can create long-term benefits for citizens,while respecting the land for future generations, explains Canderel’s William Briscoe.The Taza development – a joint venture between Canadian private real estate company Canderel and the Tsuut’ina Nation, a reserve home to 2,300 community members adjacent to the city of Calgary, Alberta – is the flagship ESG project in Canderel’s portfolio and one of the largest First Nation development projects in North America. By combining industry best practices with direct Indigenous participation and leadership, Taza reflects the partnership’s vision to transform and realize economic reconciliation, explains Taza Development Corporation’s chief executive, William Briscoe.

Q What is economic reconciliation? And why is it an important goal for ESG conscious real estate players?

The definitions of economic reconciliation vary, but for us, it comes down to just doing good business. Lasting businesses are built on relationships, not transactions. And the foundation of strong relationships is building an empathetic understanding of someone’s worldviews: considering the context of how they think and where their emotions are rooted. By genuinely being interested in the other person or community, you can begin to form trust, find alignments and create strong bonds of partnership, and good and lasting businesses. From an Indigenous perspective, economic reconciliation is often grounded in the land and that is at the heart of their worldview. Real estate development is also based in land, but it’s not always in the same context. When we apply ESG principles and expand the discussion to include community, the discourse becomes people-centric, examining the relationships and interactions people have with the land. This naturally progresses to how best to manage and govern the land. From an ESG-conscious viewpoint, there are many natural synergies that can be applied that advance economic reconciliation. Bringing an Indigenous perspective to a business relationship brings forward the ESG principles and vice versa.

Continue reading the PERE article:

Taza - full PERE article - Economic Reconciliation - 2021-12-01 Download

History was made on the 30th of September 2021, as it marked the first official recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Earlier this year Ann Pattemore, whose family owns and runs Metro Ford downtown, reached out to the Calgary Tower asking to light the tower in orange for September 30th. When asked why she wanted to do this, Ann had this to say: "The Calgary Tower has been a symbol of importance in Calgary for a couple of generations. It has lit the sky for celebratory events like the Olympics and also been lit to promote worthwhile causes. It only seemed right to me that it be lit for this important occasion to help shine a light on the history and legacy of residential schools."

In an effort to show their continued support to Tsuut'ina Nation, Metro Ford and Big 4 Motors have both donated to the Tsuut'ina Food Bank. We thank Ann, both the dealerships, and those at the Calgary Tower for supporting the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and we hope for continued support over the years.

LEARN MORE

(Image Source: Calgary Tower Facebook)

The very first National Day for Truth & Reconciliation took place on 30th of September 2021, marking the first new statutory holiday in Canada in decades. It’s rightfully a big deal, as it honours the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit victims, survivors, and their families who suffered at the hands of the residential schools.

In the spirit of education and reconciliation, we teamed up with the Tsuut’ina Nation and Curiocity to bring you some important facts that you absolutely need to know.

It commemorates the resilience of Indigenous peoples and the impacts of residential schools

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is mostly about two things- honouring the victims of Canada’s residential school system, and educating the public about the systemic issues and generational trauma that Indigenous peoples continue to face to this day.

Orange Shirt Day played a role in the decision

Orange Shirt Day is a day where all Canadians are encouraged to wear orange shirts, to honour survivors and victims of residential schools. The story of the orange shirt comes from Phyllis Webstad, who at six years old, had her brand new orange shirt taken from her on her first day at residential school. The movement has created allies all across Canada, and the act of wearing an orange shirt shows support for Indigenous people on this day.

Commerce and Employment

In stride with its progressive people, Tsuut’ina Nation holds future generations in focus. Taza represents an exciting new avenue for socioeconomic prosperity through diverse and intentional development, investment and revitalization.

Past Construction seasons have seen an increase in Nation Contracting opportunities as well as employment.
7 Nation contractors were able to contribute to site work and $1.2M million was spent on either Nation Contractors or Nation Business procurement.
Site clearing at Taza Park and clean up at the Taza Exchange site was done by TTCGP, with roughly $280,000 paid for the work completed.
Borger Group made 17 position offers to Tsuut’ina Citizens, with 15 of those positions being filled. Presently, 7 employees have remained with Borger and are working full-time.
A hiring fair in May 2020 organized by Taza, Employment Resource Centre, and Costco received over 200+ participants who attend either in person or virtually. As a result, 82 Tsuut’ina Citizens were hired to work at the Tsuut’ina Costco location. 51 First Nations employees are still working on at this location to date.
Investigations into Tsuut’ina Business opportunities are continuously being explored. Anyone who wishes to pursue leasing is encouraged to reach out to Taza at [email protected]

Learning and Knowledge Transfer

Tsuut’ina Nation is celebrated for preservation of language, traditional knowledge and lived experiences passed down through generations. With much to teach, Taza is supporting Tsuut’ina as it has pushed forward in search of advancement while honouring and sharing deep ties to heritage.

A total of 82 Borger University courses were completed by the Tsuut’ina Borger employees over the course of their employment. The training was offered for free and provided the employees with the training and tickets needed to work on sites.
The University of Calgary partnered with Taza Development Corp and Zeidler Architecture to incorporate Tsuut’ina Nation cultural teachings into their Architecture curriculum, challenging the students to reimagine design ideas that are created through interpreting the culture and the history of the Nation.

Bridging Connection and Collaboration

With inclusion at its core, genuine collaboration has forged the foundation of Taza. Tsuut’ina leaders prioritize partnership and connection to preserve values, enrich communities and bring development vision to life.

2 Nation Citizens are working directly on the Taza Development Team
3 of the Taza Development Senior Management team have enrolled and have completed the Indigenous Canada Course offered by the University of Alberta. All Taza team members must complete the course and take ongoing training as well.
Taza worked with 2 artists from the Nation to design The Shops at Buffalo Run flag posts. Another Tsuut’ina artist is working on a tenant project and was engaged directly by the tenant team. A Tsuut’ina photographer was also brought in to do the Taza Development Team’s headshots which are on the Taza website.

Nestled between fertile prairies and the Rocky Mountains, the 80,000-acre Tsuut’ina Nation was established for indigenous people in 1883, a decade before its neighbour, the City of Calgary.

Learn More:

https://www.bpcmag.com/case-studies/rod-berg-taza-development-corp/

Multiple developments across the city are promising as we head into a new year... Another development that I was pleased to be able to learn more about and report on was Taza Development’s villages on Tsuut’ina lands. What a visionary masterplan that while honouring the land, will bring significant economic impact to the Nation.

Learn More:

https://www.pressreader.com/canada/calgary-herald/20201231/281668257595396

Taza has made exciting progress this past year despite the numerous challenges and setbacks. As we reflect on the year ahead, our team is filled with immense gratitude for what has come to life, with big hopes for the future.

Leading up to the beginning of 2021 we celebrated with a look back at our favourite moments of 2020 across our social channels - in case you missed it, here are the highlights:

01: A Year Of Rewards

The University of Calgary received the Team Teaching Award for their trailblazing Kuniya Architecture Course, established as a way to translate Tsuut’ina cultural and traditional design perspectives into modern architecture
Taza Park leads its groundbreaking design with two awards:
- 2020 Merit Award for Planning Awarded by the Colorado Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects
- 2020 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence for Taza Park Water Reservoir.

Read more about Taza Park’s recent award wins

02: Introducing The Shops at Buffalo Run

Located in Taza Exchange, The Shops at Buffalo Run celebrates Tsuut’ina history, culture, and traditional knowledge – creating an unparalleled hub for businesses, visitors and tourists
The first anchor tenant opened its doors, with more exciting vendors set to open in the near future

For more information, visit The Shops at Buffalo Run

03: Growing Opportunities

In collaboration, Taza, Tsuut’ina Employment Resource and Costco organized a hiring fair and as a result, over 200 participants engaged and 82 Tsuut’ina Citizens were hired for the new Costco at Taza
Borger Group Construction provided training programs to interested Tsuut’ina Nation Citizens and hired on 15+ new employees with 7 of those remaining full-time

More exciting opportunities are on the horizon! Follow Taza on LinkedIn for more information

04: Community Collaboration

Taza Development Corp works with Board Members assigned by Chief and Council, ensuring that every stage of development meets the needs of Tsuut’ina Nation members
Taza is immensely grateful for the past, present and future contributions made by Tsuut’ina leadership and all development partners, and looks forward to continued collaboration in 2021

05: Two New Online Experiences

In collaboration with Brandsmith, Taza launched two new websites:
- Welcoming you to the vibrant new Village: Taza Exchange featuring The Shops at Buffalo Run. Visit tazaexchange.com/theshopsatbuffalorun to learn more
- Experience the story of Taza as the development unfolds. Visit togetherattaza.com to learn more

06: A New Way to Experience Taza

Taza Development Corp is always looking for ways to connect and with much of 2020 spent virtually, we are especially excited to bring you the Taza Experience Centre slated to open January, 2021
This interactive space will enable community members to chat with our team, learn more about the development and discover Taza like never before

07: A Groundbreaking First

Taza welcomed its very first anchor tenant - Costco! This was an incredible milestone for the Tsuut’ina Nation and Taza representing the culmination of planning and dedication from numerous partners
Taza was honoured to have received a blessing ceremony from Tsuut’ina Elders on the eve of Costco’s opening to commemorate the occasion and create a space of good energy for all those that visit the building
During opening weekend Costco smashed previous records and was the highest performing location in all of Western Canada!

08: The Opening of Tsuut'ina Trail

“When our citizens approved the transfer of the land for the ring road, it was in large measure to allow us to develop our lands. With the opening of the ring road, we can continue our development, Taza, which will provide economic prosperity to the Tsuut’ina Nation and to the City of Calgary.” - Chief Roy Whitney, Tsuut’ina Nation

Construction of Tsuut’ina Trail started in 2016 and currently supports over 2000 jobs
This 12-kilometer stretch of road opened in 2020, marking a major milestone in the massive infrastructure project that will eventually encircle much of Calgary

What surprises will 2021 hold? None can say for certain, but we are positive that more wondrous things are yet to come.

“As I reflect upon this past year and prepare to say goodbye to 2020 (more like good riddance!), my thoughts turn quickly to the determination, effort and hard work our Taza Team exhibited and what was achieved by Taza in this most unprecedented year. Invigorated by promise and potential, this talented group with a singularity of purpose is marching confidently forward into 2021! .” - William Briscoe

On behalf of our team at Taza Development Corp, we hope you enjoy the New Year!

Over the past year, Whitney’s hard work and passion have borne much fruit, including the opening of the Tsuut’ina Costco and the long-anticipated southwest portion of the ring road that winds through 10 kilometres of Tsuut’ina land. They were preceded just a few years earlier by the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino and a new sports complex — all part of a multibillion-dollar commercial, entertainment and business park plan.

Learn More:

https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/compelling-calgarians-chief-roy-whitney-taking-tsuutina-nation-to-new-heights

“The starting point for this powerful project is the amazing idea that a water reservoir could symbolize the union between Tsuut’ina culture, the land, and the water. It reinterprets the idea of the security fence as a solar fence—an element of cultural expression inspired by the beaver dam—creating a gateway to Taza Park. The fence feels like it organically grows out of the ground and then wraps around to create a protective cocoon.” – Michael Moxam, juror

The Tsuut’ina Nation and the city of Calgary have been neighbours for over a century. Throughout this time, Calgary has grown to the point where it now surrounds the Nation’s eastern boundary. This growth has increasingly strained the Bow and Elbow Rivers’ ability to provide for agriculture, industry, and the everyday household needs of Tsuut’ina citizens. The Taza water reservoir and pumphouse replaces aged infrastructure and provides a consistent source of potable water for the community as it builds out the 500-acre Taza Park—the first of three villages that make up one of North America’s largest First Nation development projects.

Learn More:

https://www.canadianarchitect.com/taza-water-reservoir-at-taza-park-phase-1/

The recent opening of Costco’s 150,000-square-foot location heralded the first commercial building of three related development Villages on Tsuut’ina lands by Taza Development. A development partnership between Tsuu’tina and Canderel, Taza Development strives to enact a visionary standard of development that honours the land and fuels true economic inclusion...

Learn more:

https://calgaryherald.com/business/commercial-real-estate/around-town-monday-september-28-taza-development

Awarded by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA founded est. 1899); Taza Park received the 2020 Merit Award for Planning by the Colorado Chapter. Taza Park: A New Paradigm of Ecological Reconciliation.

The design for Taza Park is based around the cultural values of the Tsuut’ina Nation: giving back what one takes, building powerful connections to the land, and promoting regeneration. In collaboration with Design Workshop, this winning design restores the hydrology of the land by creating new ecological corridors that improve the biodiversity of the environment. These corridors establish an underlying framework for the park system which, in form, mirrors the intricate overlay of oxbows in the nearby Elbow River to create landforms and boardwalks twisting around ephemeral stormwater ponds, which drain to Weaselhead Flats, one of Calgary’s largest and most biodiverse marshlands.

Additional Collaborators: Design Workshop, Gensler, Callison/RTKL, Zeidler Architecture, WSP, WATT

Taza, touted as the largest First Nations development in North America, has broken ground on Calgary’s southern border. This 1,200-acre project, which includes big-box and regional retail, offices and hundreds of new homes, is expected to cost $4.5 billion. The Tsuut’ina Nation and Canadrel are developing Taza.

Read Article

Costco’s first-ever store on First Nation land is coming to the Tsuut’ina Nation next summer, it was announced Wednesday. The big-box shop is set to be the anchor tenant at the under-construction 400,000 sq. ft. development called Taza.

Chief Lee Crowchild called the new complex at the corner of the new southwest Calgary ring road and 130th Ave. “momentous.”

“This signifies another major step forward for Taza and is reflective of the economic and social vision the Tsuut’ina Nation and its leadership have had for decades,” Crowchild said in a statement.

Read Article

“As more Indigenous youth move to urban centres… conflicts will arise unless we've got opportunities, and bridging programs to support Indigenous youth." The federal government is well aware of the challenge, and has launched numerous initiatives to foster business development and help gain access to capital, said Mohan Denetto, director general of economic and business opportunities at Indigenous Affairs.

Read Article

Voice over casting call

You and/or your kid could be the next voice on a Taza informative video! The Project: We’re working on an informative video which explains the benefits of having clean, sustainable water at Tsuut’ina. This will…

Introducing Christmas At The Nation!

In partnership with the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre & Taza, local artists, makers, and business owners participate in the first annual two-day holiday market at Tsuut’ina Nation This December, the first…

Economic reconciliation is ‘just good business’

A common vision and strong partnerships can create long-term benefits for citizens,while respecting the land for future generations, explains Canderel’s William Briscoe.The Taza development – a joint venture between Canadian private real estate company Canderel…

How the Calgary Tower was lit orange to honour National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

History was made on the 30th of September 2021, as it marked the first official recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Earlier this year Ann Pattemore, whose family owns and runs Metro…

Looking back at the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Unveiling the Metro Ford Logo

Designed by Keegan Starlight, a talented Tsuut’ina Nation artist Metro Ford recently revealed their new logo for their new location coming soon to Taza Park. This new logo was inspired by the spirit of true…

Taza Park is coming! Construction underway as ground is broken and two iconic anchor tenants are announced.

Tuesday, the 31st of August 2021 marked the beginning of something wondrous at Taza Park. Leaders of Tsuut’ina Nation, Taza Development Corp. and members of the Calgary business community officially broke ground on Taza’s latest…

Taza Launches Inaugural Bridging Connections Outdoor Artist and Vendor Market

Seeing Is Believing for the People of Tsuut’ina Nation

The legacy of Taza prioritizes environmental social governance, while creating strategic partnerships that focus on building economic self-sufficiency of the community. “We want to break down those barriers, whether they’re visible or not, and provide members of…

SAVE THE DATE: Taza Talks June 22 + 29

To celebrate Taza’s upcoming 5th anniversary, TAZA TALKS is taking a look back with the people who have made development possible. Tuesday, June 22: The Spirit of Genuine Partnership The leaders of Tsuut’ina spent years…

Join Us for Taza’s Bridging Connections Outdoor Market on June 26th at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex

Taza presents the first-ever Bridging Connection Outdoor Market! In celebration of Indigenous History Month and the launch of the Bridging Connection Program, Taza is hosting an outdoor Artist and Vendor Market in the East Lot…

Taza Puts Sustainable Design at the Forefront

Taza is the largest First Nation development in Canada, located just beyond Calgary’s perimeter in Alberta. The project is actively putting sustainable practices at the forefront of its design and building guidelines. This includes honouring…

Retail Leasing Reaches Milestone at Taza Mixed-Use Development

Taza Celebrates Tsuut’ina Day Highlighting Nation Progress and Overall Success

On May 1st annually, Tsuut’ina Nation celebrates Tsuut’ina Day. Historically, Tsuut’ina Day marked the beginning of a new year with the arrival of spring and the people of Tsuut’ina would gather and celebrate while also…

Rod Berg is acknowledged for building economic reconciliation at the Tsuut’ina Nation

Nestled between fertile prairies and the Rocky Mountains, the 80,000-acre Tsuut’ina Nation was established for indigenous people in 1883, a decade before its neighbour, the City of Calgary. Learn More: https://www.bpcmag.com/case-studies/rod-berg-taza-development-corp/