The Chief Chiniki Restaurant, which sits on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Calgary on the Morley reserve, burned down early Tuesday morning.

Cochrane RCMP received a call just before 1 a.m. MT Tuesday to assist the Morley fire department.

The restaurant was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived on scene with Cochrane firefighters.

"Both fire departments were able to put out the fire, however, were not able to save the building," said RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff.

Band Responds

The Chief Chiniki Restaurant is a prominent landmark that sits near the Highway 1 entrance to Morley.

It was primarily used by Stoney Nakoda Nation band members, but was also quite popular among tourists and visitors in the area.

Shirley Ketterer, an economic development officer with the first nation, said the fire has cost the community more than just a business.

"The history of the building is that it was put here to bring the two worlds together, a place of friendship and we won't have that place anymore."

Ketterer said the building was insured and the band will look at rebuilding.