New School on Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation supports inclusive education for future generations

Project inspired creation of Alexis Nakota-owned Hill Plain Construction Services to steward further economic development for Indigenous communities

January 17, 2024 — Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Treaty 6 Territory, Alberta — Indigenous Services Canada

Today, Chief Tony Alexis and the Council of Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, along with Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, celebrated the official opening of Chief Aranazhi School for grades 5-12, located on Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. Alexis Nakota led the construction of the new school in partnership and collaboration with the Government of Canada.

In addition to quality education in an environment that celebrates Alexis Nakota’s culture and traditions, Chief Aranazhi School provides career and technology studies and prepares students for post-secondary education and employment opportunities. The $20.8-million facility also doubles as a community centre with an oversized gym, a fitness room, a commercial kitchen and a ceremonial space. The grounds have been updated with an outdoor ice rink and a playground to support community recreation activities.

The experience and momentum generated by completing the school construction project inspired Alexis Nakota to found Hill Plain Construction Services (Hill Plain), which has become a catalyst for other economic development in the community. This Alexis Nakota-owned company provides comprehensive construction project management in the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, as well as in other Indigenous communities. Hill Plain continues to advance economic development opportunities and foster partnerships for major projects while focusing on sustainable development, social responsibility and preservation of Indigenous culture.

Economic prosperity is a priority for Indigenous communities and Canada. While Economic Reconciliation means different things to many, evidence shows that it is critical to Indigenous self-determination and will address the many ways a colonial system undermined Indigenous prosperity throughout history. Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation is leading the way to a more equitable future with several projects at various stages of development:

• In June 2021, Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation acquired 100% ownership of Backwoods Energy Services. Since acquiring Backwoods Energy Services, Alexis Nakota has increased the company’s asset value by over 600%. At present, Backwoods Energy is one of the largest Indigenous-community-owned companies in Canada. It is the largest employer of Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation band members and the primary source of income in the community.
• Construction of a 50-kilometre waterline is part of phase 2 of the West Inter Lake District (WILD) Regional Water Services Commission. The project will connect Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Onoway, Alberta Beach, and Lac Ste Anne Summer Villages to the Phase 1 waterline extension to Wabamun Lake.
• Feasibility study for the development of a water and sanitary line tie-in land adjacent to Highway 43 for the future Thomas Potts Business Park.
• In October 2019, a new potable water pumphouse was commissioned at Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. This pumphouse connects the Nation to a treated water supply that ties back to EPCOR Utilities Inc. in the City of Edmonton through the West Inter Lake District (WILD) Regional Water Services Commission. ISC funded the construction of the on reserve components for a total of $9.5M. The off-reserve components were financed by the Government of Alberta through a combination of Water for Life and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Tie-in program. Of note, ISC, recently funded $72,330 in upgrades to the control system at the water pumphouse.