The Blossom and Bloom Spring Celebration in Buffalo Run celebrated the grand opening of local shops in the Tsuut’ina Nation.

The festival’s theme of Blossom and Bloom is inspired by the crocus flower, which indicates the end of winter and the start of spring, defining new change and growth on the horizon. 

The celebration began with a blessing and smudge ceremony from an Elder and later the introduction of the Tsuut’ina Princesses. 

The celebration included many festivities like a friendly tug-of-war competition between Tsuut’ina Nation Fire and Rescue and Tosguna Police, traditional dancing, and drumming. The festival also included live music performed by Tyler Twoguns Band, collaborative art murals, and opportunities to win prizes.

“The land is extremely important to the Tsuut’ina, and the crocus flower actually represents new birth and a new beginning, so it’s a fresh start,” said Maureen Henderson, Vice President, Community Experience. 

The development covers 1,200 acres in Buffalo Run and is Taza’s first of three large developments to come. The other developments include The Crossing and Taza Park.

“I think when you look at the overall opportunity to bring economic development and diversity to the Tsuut’ina Nation, the partnership between the Tsuut’ina Nation and Canderel, this particular development and the shops at Buffalo Run is a big testament to the success that the partnership has forged,” said Henderson.

“We stand celebrating the creation of the first phase of North America’s largest First Nation development project. We stand ready to take on the next wave of activity,” said Todd Poulsen, President, Elan Construction.

The design elements of the shops and budlings at Buffalo Run were important to resemble the aspect that the buildings were part of the land and had a deep connection with the community.

“We wanted to create specific, meaningful cultural references at various different scales, large and small, to make it clear that these buildings are indeed of the land and of the original peoples,” said Jamie Clark, Systemic Architecture.

Taza already has their sights on their next projects which will open in the not-so-distant coming years. 

“We have Taza Park that will launch next spring, and then we have The Crossing,” said Henderson.

For more information on the developments, visit the Taza website.