The Town of Battleford and Poundmaker Cree Nation have signed an agreement to explore a new sports complex and tourism development.


Shown are, from left, Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie, Poundmaker Chief Duane Antoine, Poundmaker Councillor Leon Antoine, and former Town of Battleford Mayors Chris Odishaw and Derek Mahon.


POUNDMAKER II CREE NATION — Town of Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie joined Poundmaker Cree Nation Chief Duane Antoine on April 29 to sign a memorandum of understanding for a new sports project.

The event took place at Poundmaker II Cree Nation’s Poundmaker Hall, located off Highway 4 South, south of Battleford.

"Poundmaker Cree Nation and the Town of Battleford have come together here to sign a memorandum of understanding to look towards the development of a sports complex, a sports area on Poundmaker. It's new land that they have acquired," said Leslie.

"What this means is it will keep Poundmaker's chief and council and the Town of Battleford's mayor and council responsible to work together into the future for this project and future projects for the betterment of both of our communities."

The land for the project is located in the Battle River valley area, adjacent to the turnoff to Highway 658, off Highway 4 South. The land was originally owned by the Town of Battleford and the RM of Battle River.

Leslie said he is excited about the initiative.

"Anytime any entity is willing to invest in Battleford, I get excited," he said. "When it's one of our neighbours who we have a longstanding relationship and that entity is willing to invest in the community, it's good for everybody. It's a sign that we can work together to fill a need within our community and that's sports for the youth."

"We heard [Poundmaker] Councillor Leon [Antoine] speak quite often that there's very much going to be a youth focus in this, as well as tourism," Leslie added. "It's two things that the Town of Battleford has as part of their strategic plan. So, it fits in well with what our council is looking to do."

Coun. Leon Antoine said he would like to see the area include an RV site by the river.

"We're going to have infrastructure there, like power, water and sewer," he said. "I want to do ball diamonds... I want to bring some soccer fields in to help with the community as well... We want to do land-based training in the area as well."

"And that's for everybody, not just for the First Nations, for everybody," Antoine said.

Poundmaker acquired more than 500 acres for the project.

Chief Antoine said the project will be positive for both the Town of Battleford and the First Nation.

"We're bringing back the tourism and a joint venture with Battleford, so we can all work together, hand-in-hand, and move towards tourism and economic development for the future of Battleford," he said.