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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

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.

READ MORE ON CURIOCITY

(Image Source: Curiocity)

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!

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…