Gambler First Nation ‘teepee’ hotel project in Brandon breaks ground

Proponents of a future 130-room hotel owned by Gambler First Nation held a sod-turning ceremony in northwestern Brandon on Tuesday.

“This project stands as a powerful example of what happens when we lead with our own values, our own vision and our own solutions,” said Jerry Daniels, grand chief of the Southern Chiefs Organization.

“This hotel and conference centre will do far more than welcome guests.”

The hotel, which is Phase 2 of a three-phase project, is located behind the gas station built during Phase 1 at 1725 18th St. North. The hotel will feature three giant teepees at the front of the building, with one serving as a lobby, another as a restaurant and third as a conference room.

The middle teepee with the lobby will be 80 feet tall, while the other two will measure 60 feet, making them the “three largest functioning teepees in the world,” according to a press release.

“What makes this development especially powerful is the way it reflects who we are,” Daniels said. “Across the Southern First Nations, we are seeing a wave of visionary development led by our own people.

“It’s about economic development, and we’re reclaiming our place, our voice and our future.”

Crews are expected to start work next month, with an opening date currently estimated to be around the end of July 2027, according to project manager Morgan LeDoux.

“We’re really excited, it’s a huge positive,” said LeDoux before the ceremony started. “Everybody we talk to is excited about the process being done. We haven’t had any negative outlooks on it.”

He added that the restaurant in one of the teepees will have a menu and floor plan created by a Michelin chef.

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson said the entire project is great for First Nations communities.

“It’s really setting a great example for First Nations communities around the area here,” she said. “It is a true testament to the vision and the leadership of (Gambler) Chief (David) LeDoux and your council, and the staff, as well as the entire community.

“It’s going to be the biggest enclosed teepees, I think, anywhere in the world. That’s amazing — like, that is awesome.”

Daniels said the project will inspire the next generation to also make a difference.

“To the young people watching today, know that what you are seeing here is possible because of the determination, vision and strength of your nation,” Daniels said. “You’re inheriting a legacy that says we can build, we can lead and we can create our own future.”

Elder Patrick Tanner said it’s amazing what his community is able to accomplish.

“I’m so proud of our chief and council,” said Tanner. “Gambler being one of the smallest reserves, accomplishing big projects.”

Chief LeDoux thanked the roughly 200 people who were at the event, and said the project is great for everyone.

“It’s really rewarding that we’re going to be recognized around the world,” the chief said. “Brandon’s going to be in the tourism business, First Nations are going to be in the tourism business.”

Phase 3 of the project is to build low-income housing, although there wasn’t any timeline as Phase 2 is just getting started.

» alambert@brandonsun.com