Kainai Marketplace 10th Anniversary

For the past 10 years, Kainai Marketplace has served the Blood Tribe and surrounding communities by providing a convenient and affordable option for members’ grocery shopping needs. On October 1, 2026, KMP will celebrate their 10-year anniversary with a community celebration and feast.

KMP’s success is the result of a collective investment in the Tribe’s health and economic well-being.

“At the time, there was really no grocery store here,” said Rob Crow, Director of Blood Tribe Economic Development. “The one at the BTA Building was shutting down and there weren’t many healthy options for people to shop.”

At a cost of $6.2 million, the build was made possible by a $1.5 million original investment from the Tribe towards the total balance.

Beginning with an impact study in 2008 and community-needs survey shortly after, plans for an on-reserve grocery store were set in motion. Their sod turning ceremony was held in October 2015 and they first officially opened for business in September 2016.

Since then, KMP has provided access to healthier food, increased employment opportunities, and helped improve the Tribe’s overall standard of living. Buying on reserve also helps support our local economy by preventing economic leakage and keeping the Tribe’s dollars within the community.

“It’s our grocery store. It’s a community asset,” said Crow.

Sushannah Curly Rider, KMP General Manager, emphasized that KMP is 100 percent First Nation owned and operated. All 27 current employees are Blood Tribe members.

Over the past 10 years Kainai Marketplace has grown to better accommodate the needs of the community it serves.

“We can provide pretty much anything. If someone needs the more cultural kinds of food, such as tongue, kidney, or liver, all our traditional foods, or if they wanted bannock, frybread, or Indian popcorn, we could order all of that,” said Curly Rider.

Bulk orders are also available upon request. The bakery bakes its own fresh bread. The butcher provides quality cuts of meat at prices often lower than the bigger chains. The deli serves hot breakfasts and lunches daily. If you haven’t tried one of their Big Auntie sandwiches, you’re missing out.

They are also looking for ways to expand their services. For instance, they are currently testing out a grocery delivery program for Tribe members living on the reserve.

With rising food costs, KMP is making strides to keep their prices competitive with similarly sized grocery stores. Up to three times per year, staff conduct price comparisons with nearby stores and comparing prices to ensure they remain competitive.

Curly Rider notes that, except for a couple items, KMP has not been affected negatively by tariffs.

“We support Canadian made goods with the help of our supplier. Everything does have a Canada-made stamp on it,” said Curly Rider.

By shopping at KMP you are helping create jobs on the reserve, encouraging future investment, and showing that as a community we can sustain such ventures.

Blood Tribe Councillor and Chair of the Economic Development Pillar, Elliot Fox, encouraged community members to continue showing their support for KMP.

“We should be proud as a community that we’ve had this grocery store for 10 years now. It’s a great facility, and we should all continue to support it as much as we can.”

On October 1, 2026, KMP will mark 10 years of serving the community with a celebration event that will be open to the public. They will be hosting a BBQ, with guest speakers and giveaways.

 “A milestone like this would not be possible without the people who have supported Kainai Marketplace throughout the years. We recognize and thank the customers, employees, families, suppliers, leadership and community members who have all played a role in the store’s journey,” said Curly Rider.