The newly opened Costco on Tsuut’ina Nation near Calgary is the company’s first on-reserve location and is the most successful store operating in western Canada.
“From our discussions with Costco, they’ve indicated that this location has broken records,” said Bryce Starlight with Taza, Tsuut’inas development project which the new Costco is a part of.
“The sales are phenomenal as a result of the great access and also the underserviced market in southwest Calgary.”
The Costco opened in August and created over 80 jobs for Tsuut’ina and Calgary residents including Keith Smallboy, who works in Costco tire shop.
“It’s a way to build a career because there’s not many of that for us Indigenous youth,” Smallboy said.
“This Costco specifically, they’re really tuned to helping Indigenous thrive. I have a good manager who wants to see me with a white shirt.”
Smallboy said the store gives Indigenous youth a boost in confidence and brings community spirit.
“I think it’s really important that we do have opportunities like this.”
