Three First Nations Take Major Step Toward Exploring Castle Building Supply Centre Development on Anishinabe Aki Land

ANISHINABE AKI, TREATY 2 (DAUPHIN, MANITOBA) — Fisher River Cree Nation, Minegoziibe Anishinabe and Ebb and Flow First Nation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a collaborative framework to explore the development of a Castle Building Supply Centre on Anishinabe Aki land at Dauphin, Manitoba.

The proposed development would be located on lands known as Anishinabe Aki and is intended to create new opportunities for economic development, employment, training and business capacity for the three Nations and the surrounding region.

Under the MOU, each Nation is contemplated to hold an equal one-third interest in the proposed development, with equal responsibility for project capital costs and equal sharing of profits. These arrangements remain subject to feasibility work, due diligence and the negotiation of definitive agreements.

Fisher River Cree Nation brings direct operating experience in the building supply retail sector through its existing Castle Building Supply franchise. Minegoziibe Anishinabe and Ebb and Flow First Nation jointly hold an interest in Anishinabe Aki through PCEF Ventures Ltd., where the proposed project would be located.

The Nations will establish a working group to examine the business case and implementation requirements for the project, including site and land tenure matters, governance, financing, operations, market demand, procurement, employment and training opportunities, supply chain and logistics.

“This MOU is about our Nations working together to create opportunities for our people. We are bringing together land, business experience and a shared commitment to economic development. Our goal is to determine whether we can build something that creates employment, develops business capacity and generates long-term economic benefits for all three Nations.” — Joint statement of the three Nations

The signing of the MOU is an important first step. The Nations will now undertake the necessary feasibility, financial, land and market analysis before deciding whether to proceed to final development agreements.

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