Fireworks filled the sky over Treaty 8 territory on a sunny summer afternoon as a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opened the new Nikinan Community Centre.
Meaning “Our Place” in Cree, Nikinan holds a deep connection and sense of ownership and pride for the Fort McMurray 468 First Nation and its more than 900 members. The First Nation is located near Anzac on Gregoire Lake (Willow Lake) southeast of Fort McMurray, Alta.
Suncor has a longstanding relationship with Fort McMurray 468 First Nation and is honoured to support the new facility through a significant long-term sponsorship
The Centre is home to the Nation's Administration, Member Services and Community Wellness offices, as well as amenities including a gym, fitness area, indoor playground, gift shop, and coffee shop. Nikinan will be the community’s gathering place for Elders, youth and everyone in between, allowing culture and traditions to be celebrated and shared.
Traditional dancers and drummers were part of the Nikinan Community Centre grand opening on July 4.
The Nikinan Community Centre features a vibrant and stunning design.
“The Nikinan Community Centre is so much more than a building. I look forward to seeing how this centre will be a space for sharing stories, passing down knowledge and creating new memories for generations to come,” said Sandy Martin, Suncor’s Senior Vice President Regional Execution at the July 4 grand opening event. “Suncor is honoured to support this incredible new facility. Thank you for welcoming us to Nikinan—your place—and now a place for all of us to come together in friendship and celebration.”
To recognize the event, Sandy, along with other Suncor leaders and members of our Indigenous and Community Relations team, presented Fort McMurray 468 First Nation Chief and Council with a bison hide and skull.
Suncor SVP Sandy Martin presents Fort McMurray 468 First Nation Chief and Council with a bison hide and skull to commemorate the grand opening of the Nikinan Community Centre.
“This is a symbol of this region and significant in Indigenous culture. This incredible animal symbolizes so many things: strength, abundance and determination. Today, it symbolizes our friendship and most of all, our respect,” said Sandy. “Congratulations to all members of the Fort McMurray 468 First Nation.”
Previous partnerships between Suncor and the Fort McMurray 468 First Nation include the Nation being one of eight Indigenous communities involved in Astisiy. In 2015, Suncor and Fort McMurray 468 First Nation celebrated the opening of a Petro-Canada station located on their Gregoire Lake Reserve.
Fort McMurray 468 First Nation Chief and Council cut the ribbon to officially open the Nikinan Community Centre.
Foyer of the Nikinan Community Centre.
Suncor’s Indigenous community and equity partnerships are an important step towards economic reconciliation and shared prosperity. They are examples of how working together, with respect and trust, creates mutual benefits.