Red Rock Indian Band to enhance and expand tourism
By Rick Garrick
RED ROCK INDIAN BAND — Red Rock Indian Band is looking to expand its Chalet Lodge services into the winter season through $237,250 in federal government funding from FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program. FedNor also provided Red Rock Indian Band with $24,925 for a feasibility study on the viability of establishing a wild rice cultivation and processing operation.
“We envision that the lodge will be a venue that will become a catalyst for fostering entrepreneurship opportunities,” says Red Rock Indian Band Chief Marcus Hardy in an e-mail reply. “There is great potential for authentic Indigenous experiences to be offered during the winter and shoulder seasons, therefore winterizing the lodge will allow for an increase in tourism products and services to be offered during the off-season.”
Hardy says the renovations needed to winterize the Chalet Lodge include adding insulation to the walls, replacing the windows and adding a heat source. Red Rock Indian Band purchased the Chalet Lodge, which was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1921 as an executive retreat, in 2008. It is now used as a venue to promote the Anishinaabe culture, history and lifeways through economic growth, education and training opportunities for all Red Rock Indian Band citizens.
“There is a strong interest in outdoor-oriented activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, ice fishing and more,” Hardy says. “A study done on identifying different diversification opportunities for tourism stated that most tourists prefer cabin type accommodations to add to their full outdoor experience. As we continue to move forward with this initiative, we can look at creating partnerships and developing packages for events in the region that will put an emphasis on winter activities and the unique experiences of an Ontario winter.”
The funding was part of more than $1 million in support of six strategic initiatives in the Thunder Bay-Superior North region that was announced by Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu and Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski on April 7.
“Today’s announcement will enhance tourism and further accelerate community economic development and business growth here at home in northwestern Ontario,” Hajdu says. “Our government’s focus on economic diversification and immigration will support a strong economic recovery that is inclusive, sustainable, and creates good jobs for families throughout Thunder Bay-Superior North.”
“The funding announced today builds on our government’s commitment to invest in First Nations, municipalities and key sectors of the economy so we can build back better — together,” Powlowski says.
The federal government announced that it was providing funding through its regional development agencies to help communities create the right conditions for economic growth, including community efforts to organize resources, enhance business development and take advantage of strategic opportunities.
“I would like to thank the Government of Canada and FedNor for helping us transform the Chalet Lodge into an all-season facility that will enable us to pursue new business opportunities,” Hardy says. “These investments will support local jobs, increase tourism revenue and allow us to explore the viability of creating a First Nation-owned wild rice cultivation and processing operation.”
Hardy says Red Rock Indian Band citizens are anxious to learn of opportunities associated with a feasibility study on the wild rice cultivation and processing operation.
“I am also anxious to learn how this study may identify employment and cultural practises for our community members,” Hardy says. “I believe that increased local food choices will have a direct benefit our community’s health, well-being and quality of life.”