Calgary soon to be home to an Indigenous-designed McDonald’s

Groundbreaking is underway for a new McDonald’s that will incorporate Tsuut’ina Nation culture and values through its design and artwork.

An international fast-food joint is coming to a Calgary-area First Nation later this year.

McDonald’s Canada is opening a new restaurant on the Tsuut’ina First Nation, as part of the Buffalo Run shopping centre.

For the first time in the company’s 86-year history, the location will be created with Indigenous heritage, values and vision in mind.

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The effort is the result of a partnership between the company and the First Nation, which was guided by a cultural advisory working group.

“We worked with McDonald’s to incorporate some the Tsuut’ina elements into the architecture of the building, design and the murals on the building itself,” said James Robertson, president of Taza Development Corporation, the company that manages the development.

A groundbreaking ceremony, including a land blessing, took place on Monday morning.

“I think for us as a people, it’s going through each generation,” said Zachary Manywounds with the Tsuut’ina First Nation.

“Our youth are going to experience McDonald’s like no one else along with everything else. They’re going to have a sense of pride that I wouldn’t have growing up.”

The restaurant is set to open later this year.