President and CEO for Willow Cree Development Corporation Dennis Esperance (left) and Beardy's and Okemasis Cree Nation Chief Edwin Ananas announced a new grocery store will be built in the near future. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW)

By Teena Monteleone

New venture

Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation building grocery store

Nov 13, 2025 | 2:13 PM

Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation is embarking on a new venture with the construction of its own grocery store.

Chief Edwin Ananas and council made the announcement Thursday morning at the site of the future store, located just off of Hwy 11, about 25 minutes south of Prince Albert.

“It’s been needed for years, and I think we’re going down the right path,” said Ananas.

The store will serve close to 2,000 members on the Nation alone, as well as the surrounding area, including the Town of Duck Lake. Ananas said having quality groceries close to home is huge, especially for members who have a hard time finding transportation.

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“We’re working on providing everything from deli and fresh home-baked breads, and of course, our traditional bannocks. So, we’re hoping to provide everything that’s needed for your home and business or travels.”

According to the President and CEO for Willow Cree Development Corporation – the business arm of Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation – it’s another step in the community’s economic development plan to become more self-reliant.

“The biggest opportunity that we see from an economic perspective is to make it a one-stop shop for businesses and travellers that are going through,” said Dennis Esperance.

Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation Chief and council members, along with representatives from Zak’s Building Group were on hand for the ground breaking ceremony of the future store. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW)

The store will be located across the street from the Blackhawks Travel Centre gas station and convenience store which opened in 2023. Esperance said there are more opportunities for economic growth in the area, including the potential for some eateries.

“We’ve been looking at future opportunities here. We’re trying to fill the gaps that have been left vacant by the Town of Duck Lake, which is our neighbour. We’re working closely with the leadership of the town so we’re not working in silo here. It takes a team effort to make this a successful business venture,” he said.

Adam Unger and Aaron Fehr from Zak’s Building Group were on hand for the ground breaking ceremony. Zak’s, a family-owned company operating out of Hague, will construct the new store.

“It’s currently sitting at about a 12,000 square foot building. In addition to the grocery store, it’s going to have rental units for smaller businesses that can operate out of it as well,” said Unger.

“I think it’s going to serve the community well. It’s really filling a niche for the area,” added Fehr.

Esperance said it’s too early to assess the total cost of the project and no completion date has been set. When the new grocery store does open, it is expected to provide a minimum of 40 jobs to local residents.

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teena.monteleone@pattisonmedia.com