Doig River First Nation councillors and Fort St. John Mayor speak of the opening of Naache Commons in the city

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Large crowds and local politicians were on hand as the first urban reserve in northeast B.C. opened to the public.

Naache Commons, an urban reserve owned by Doig River First Nation (DRFN), celebrated its grand opening on Friday, June 12th, in Fort St. John.

Located directly across from Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School, the event drew a large crowd, and several marked the occasion on social media.

DRFN band councillor Brittany Robertson took to LinkedIn, stating the opening was a “historic day” for her nation, adding Naache Commons marks “an achievement that reflects years of vision, determination, collaboration and hard work.”

“Naache Commons represents far more than a development project,” wrote Robertson. “It is a legacy for our Nation, our members, and the generations that will follow.”

Meanwhile, Fort St. John mayor Lilia Hansen, said on Facebook that the opening of Naache Commons “reflects what happens when people come together, listen, and work toward a shared future.“

“[Naache Commons] will create new opportunities for economic growth, support local businesses, and offer a welcoming space for community connection.” Hansen wrote.

Urban Reserves are created when municipal land in a city is converted to reserve land, as recognized by the federal government.

Development for Naache Commons began in 2009, with the project spearheaded by former DRFN chief Norman Davis. 

While it currently hosts a Shell Gas Station, office space and the Indigenous bistro Kekuli Cafe, further development will see residential space built on the site.

DRFN chief Justin Davis told CBC News the opening of Naache Commons is a “dream come true” for his community.

“It’s all about economic development for the nation,” said Davis. “We really want to be self-sufficient [and] this is the first step.”

Its name, Naache Commons, is derived from ancestral spirits called Dreamers and the spirit of Naachine, according to the project’s website.