Marin Goodstriker a new employee of the Kainai Marketplace located on the Blood Tribe poses for a picture while working at the deli on Oct. 8.

A new grocery store is now providing the Blood Tribe with fresh produce and products to which the community has been without for years.

The Kainai Marketplace is a new business located on the Blood Reserve and had its soft opening on Sept. 27.

The members of the Blood Tribe have embraced the marketplace as well as the local surrounding communities.

The Blood Reserve is located west of the city and is home to over 12,000 members, most of which support local businesses here in the city.

Travelling to Lethbridge from the Blood Tribe takes an average of 45 minutes one way.

In 2014, the Blood Tribe’s Economic Development department conducted market research regarding the new business venture to which 80 per cent of the membership gave their approval.

So then a business partnership was established between the Blood Tribe, the Government of Alberta Aboriginal Relations and Vision Quest BC.

The marketplace will be supplied products by The Grocery People who also supply the local Co-Op grocery chains.

The Kainai Marketplace is a 12,000 square foot, $6-million state of the art building that employs over 20 Blood Tribe members.

New employees working for the new store are having positive feedback.

“I feel like I’m a part of this business, this place gives me a sense of pride!” said Monica Blackwater Assistant Head Cashier.

The Marketplace also has its own meat cutting department, bakery, deli, fresh produce and all necessary products for its customers.

As the tribe strives to become self-sufficient the the Kainai Marketplace marks a new era of investment.

“There’s a whole host of business opportunities waiting to be explored,” said Malcolm Donaldson, General Manager for the Kainai Marketplace.

The Kainai Marketplace will have its official grand opening ceremony to be held on Nov. 18 and 19.

This is Kainai’s first grocery store in several years.