New Paskwa Pit Stop is now open for business

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It's not the way most gas stations have their grand openings.

In addition to a ceremonial ribbon cutting there was an honor song and prayers from Elders, asking for good fortune for the Paskwa Pit Stop.

The new station and convenience store on the Pasqua First Nation officially opened on Oct. 4.

The service station is a way to bring jobs and consumer dollars to the First Nation, said the band's chief, Elaine Chicoose.

"This is a project that's been in the back of the minds for a lot of band councils over the years," she said.

"We wanted something that will provide a commercial service for our community, with the proceeds and profits staying in our community.

In a speech to open the Pit Stop, Chief Chicoose said the new band-owned store is an investment in the community and its future. Instead of band members taking their dollars to nearby Fort Qu'Appelle to buy fuel and groceries, they now have an option of purchasing these goods on the reserve.

"This is a step towards exercising our sovereignty and economic development," she said. "We must build on our own resources in order to provide the best services and jobs to our people."

This was a theme echoed by File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council representative president Ron Crowe, who also made a speech at the grand opening.

"For too long and for too often our people have had to spend their dollars off the reserve," he said." This new stone means now that the profits made here will be re-invested in other economic opportunities."

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations youth representative Guy Lonechild also lauded the venture.

"To achieve our goals, First Nations must be healthy, openly governed and responsible," he said. "This venture is a sign of accepting that responsibility."

In addition to the three full-time and one part-time staff at the Pit Stop, several students from Grades 10 to 12 who are Pasqua First Nations members will also work at the station as part of their work experience program.