A Stoney group is rolling toward a vision for the First Nations community.
The Sacred Rocky Mountain Mini Thni Movement Association (SRMMTMA), a registered non-profit organization, wants to establish a drop-in indoor skateboard park on Stoney Nakoda land.
“It’ll be a 10,000 square foot building, (we’re) going to try and incorporate 12 ramps and I think four (rails) just so we can get some of the active skateboarders and other people who want to learn that activity there,” said Tasina Pope, SRMMTMA treasurer.
“We’re trying to really bring this out to the community.”
The board committee discussed needs within the community, and Pope hopes that being open late will help decrease drugs, alcohol and gang affiliation in the community.
Morley has an indoor recreation centre called the Bearspaw Youth Centre, but Pope said with an early closing time, it isn’t helpful “for the younger generation to really utilize it.
“With our building, we’re planning on staying open later through the night,” she said. “There will be a lounge with a game room, concession, stuff that can bring the youth in and make it comfortable for them.”
Stoney Nakoda First Nations is comprised of three bands – Wesley, Bearspaw and Chiniki.
The land area SRMMTMA is looking to build on is Chiniki land on Highway 40 across from the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino, pending chief and council approval.
“The next tribal council is on March 3. We gave them a letter of intent for what we’re trying to establish and the funding we’re seeking,” said Pope.
Pope said a ballpark estimate for construction of the building is $500,000.
“It’s not about the Chiniki, Bearspaw or Wesley bands, we’re seeing this as for the community, children and youth,” she added.
SRMMTMA is open to accept donations and sponsorships in order for this project to proceed, said Pope.
Potential funding may come from the Alberta’s First Nation Development Fund Grant Program, which is a grant for social, economic and community development projects. Funding for the program in 2015-16 was $128 million.
SRMMTMA has five board members and are encouraging Stoney nation members who are “passionate and like-minded” about making a change in the community, to join the organization.
Those interested can inquire at [email protected] or visit the website srmmtma.wix.com or Facebook page.
