b'LAND RECLAMATIONincluding three parcels totalling about 20 acres within city limits. Since 2009, it has been working with the City of Fort St. John on establishing an urban reserve within the municipality.A cornerstone of DRFNs growth strategy is Naache Commons, a business hub that will be constructed on eight acres of the Gat Tah Kwreserve within the city. At this stage, things are still in the early plan-ning stages, and DRFN is open to inves-tors, says DRFN Chief Trevor Makadahay. Development on the project is expected to begin next year. Well be building businesses and retail gas stations that our members can access, says Makadahay. So it will be very impor-tant to our Nation [becoming] a self-reliant nation. Itll be a good thing for our people. Weve been working really hard on that process for a few years. The hub will be constructed in multiple stages. Capital projects, including sewer and water lines, will be tackled first, followed by roads and parking lots.In addition to creating jobs once the retail stores open, there will also be employment opportunities for Nation members during the sites construction process. DRFNs Economic Development Corporation, j Developments, will be handling some of that work. Construction is expected to commence in 2023, and DRFN is currently considering retail gas station proposals from multiple partners. Further commu- DRFN Chief Trevor Makadahay (front) with the DRFN Council at Doig Day 2022: from left, Brittany nity work is being undertaken this fall andBrinkworth, Starr Acko and Garry Okerwinter, with the band membership set to complete the Naache Commons Master Development Plan. DRFN members are eager to see the new business hub developed. Currently, the closest place for them to use their status cards is Prince George, which is about a five-hour drive south. The new business hub will give them an opportunity to gasengaging. relating. impacting.up with their cards much closer to home, among other things. When company and community come together to build projects, there is much learningon both sides. What is normal and ingrained in one may be the opposite of what is normal and ingrained in another.Theyre very excited. Right now, theresThe team at DHPR Inc. is proud and humbled to be your companys connection between industrynothing for them [to use] their status cardand communities across Canada.for tax advantages. [In the future] they will Indigenous engagementIndigenous relations tool boxshop at their own shops and take advan-Capacity development Strategy creation for cross-culture trainingtage of those tax savings, says Makadahay. Strategy and policy developmentIndigenous student co-op & internships Indigenous inclusion & procurement initiativesEmployee cultural competency training Progressive Aboriginal Relations Certification (CCAB)Student mentoring with opportunity to move into employmentDRFN purchased the land about five years ago, applying to Indigenous Serviceswww.daniellehartleypr.ca|info@daniellehartleypr.caCanada through the Additions to Reserve Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT95'