23 Oct Taza Development Corporation
Taza Development Corporation: A Visionary Approach to Indigenous-Led Development
Taza is a groundbreaking real estate initiative on First Nations land that stands as a testament to the strength and partnership between Indigenous communities and modern urban development principles. This visionary project, led by Taza Development Corporation, is a partnership between the Tsuut’ina Nation and Canderel that spans over 1,200 acres and has positioned itself as the largest First Nations master-planned development in North America. It is transforming the economic landscape for both Tsuut’ina Nation and the wider Calgary region through a unique approach that merges sustainability, Indigenous cultural values, and economic growth.
A Collaborative Vision
The Taza Development is structured around three interconnected villages: Buffalo Run, Taza Park, and The Crossing. Each village is designed to reflect a balance between modern urban needs and the preservation of Tsuut’ina culture. The development already houses dozens of businesses, including professional offices, retail spaces, and services that meet the growing demands of the community.
This collaboration between Canderel and Tsuut’ina has created a powerful partnership that benefits both parties. As Bryce Starlight, Taza Development Corp.’s Vice President of Development, explains, “It really comes back to creating long-term, beneficial economic opportunities not just for Tsuut’ina Nation, but also for the wider Calgary region.” This relationship transcends the traditional developer-client model, embracing a cooperative spirit that ensures economic self-determination for Tsuut’ina Nation.
Economic Self-Determination and Sustainability
One of the core goals of Taza is to move away from dependence on government funding and create pathways toward economic self-determination. According to Taza, the partnership is built on “moving away from the old-school business model of relying on Indian Affairs and government funding to prop up our communities and actually taking that power back for ourselves.” Taza seeks to empower Tsuut’ina by building an environment that supports the development of an economic system within reserve lands that participates as part of the overall Canadian economy, rather than relying on funding from external entities. By generating revenue not tied to program initiatives, Tsuut’ina can use revenues generated within Tsuut’ina lands in areas that the community defines as important.
This focus on self-determination is complemented by a strong emphasis on sustainability. Taza has incorporated environmentally friendly principles throughout its design, taking care to respect the land, water, and cultural values of the Nation. Starlight emphasized the importance of balancing long-term economic prosperity with environmental stewardship, stating that Taza is “looking at ways to reinvest our money back into opportunities that help to grow without expanding our footprint.”
The project also integrates Indigenous cultural values in every aspect of its design. Starlight points out that the development isn’t just about economic growth but about ensuring that “we’re not looking at the urban sprawl model.” Instead, Taza is focused on a sustainable model that serves both the present and future generations, in line with Indigenous philosophies of long-term stewardship of the land.
Cultural Integration in Development
One of the most innovative aspects of Taza is how it integrates Indigenous culture into urban development. This project goes beyond traditional approaches to Indigenous inclusion, embedding Tsuut’ina cultural symbols and values throughout the development. Starlight explains that “A lot of companies have focused on the visual aspect—not just focusing on murals, which are amazing in and of themselves, but also looking for different ways to represent Tsuut’ina culture that doesn’t follow the one-size-fits-all approach.”
Taza’s design incorporates input from local Indigenous artists who collaborate with architects to ensure that cultural representation is thoughtful and meaningful. This collaboration manifests in various forms, including landscaping, masonry work, and even the Taza logo, which was developed by a branding expert alongside two local artists. Each tenant and developer involved in Taza is encouraged to find innovative ways to reflect the culture, values, and traditions of the Tsuut’ina people, from the design of buildings to the types of businesses that operate within the villages.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Taza has seen tremendous success, Starlight acknowledges that the journey has not been without challenges. The project is part of a broader movement toward Indigenous economic reconciliation, but this can sometimes create challenges in keeping true to the core mission of the development. The Taza development emphasizes that at the end of the day, we’re here to do a job for the community. We want to build an economy for Tsuut’ina, and sometimes when you start looking at the broader picture of reconciliation, it can be easy to move away from Tsuut’ina’s core principles.”
Despite these challenges, Taza is emerging as a leading example of how Indigenous-led development can serve as a model for other First Nations and for non-Indigenous communities alike. The project is not just about economic success but about establishing a new precedent for how development can align with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. Taza’s vision is clear: to show that it’s possible to balance creating prosperity while also preserving culture and heritage within the community.
A Model for Future Development
Taza is more than just a development project—it is a model for future Indigenous-led economic initiatives across Canada and North America. Its focus on sustainability, cultural integration, and long-term economic growth sets it apart from typical urban developments. The collaboration between Tsuut’ina Nation and Canderel demonstrates how Indigenous communities and corporate partners can work together to create developments that benefit both parties while staying true to Indigenous values.
As Taza continues to grow, it serves as a beacon for other First Nations communities seeking to achieve economic self-determination through sustainable and culturally informed development. Starlight expresses hope that Taza’s successes will inspire similar projects across the country: “There is a lot of leadership that’s required in this, and it means that we have to set an example of how Indigenous-led developments can thrive while respecting cultural values and sustainability.”
In this way, Taza is not just building a physical community but creating a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of Indigenous leaders and developers to take control of their economic futures without compromising their cultural identities.
Learn more at: Taza Development Corporation