Chief Gordon Planes (Hya-quatcha) of the T’Sou-ke Nation is the 2021 recipient of the BC Achievement Foundation’s Indigenous Business Award for Lifetime Achievement. A visionary leader, Chief Planes has guided his community with a focus on autonomy, food security, cultural renaissance, and economic development.
For over two decades, he has led the Nation in projects that blend traditional teachings with innovation. Under his leadership, the T’Sou-ke Nation has become internationally recognized for its solar power initiatives, food sovereignty efforts, and cultural revitalization. His long-term vision—a 100-year plan for community resilience—prioritizes sustainability over personal profit.
The T’Sou-ke Nation now operates wasabi and oyster farms, a solar micro-grid, and hosts global visitors eager to learn from their success. Chief Planes has also forged strong partnerships in renewable energy and Indigenous education.
His work continues to inspire, grounded in respect for the land and a clear purpose: “It’s all about future generations.”
All About U is owned and managed by Ben Davidson, a 5th generation Haida carver. The business specializes in contemporary Haida art and Ben works with emerging and established Haida artists to provide a contextualized, commercial platform for the art. He also mentors fellow entrepreneurs in the art of doing business and is a gateway for tourists to learn more about the Haida culture.
Ben’s belief is that the art business starts with visibility – imagery where people will see it: Airports, Ferries, Museums, Gift Shops and other high profile and high track businesses. It’s all about U!
Bar S Ventures is a full-phase logging business owned by Shelley Stewart. In 2012 the company owned six logging truck/trailer units. Today, it employs 28 people to operate nine logging trucks and 16 pieces of logging equipment. It is proud to be a full “stump to dump” logging operation. Since 2010, the company’s revenue has increased more than tenfold.
Shelley Stewart has thrived in this challenging, male-dominated, industry. Bar S Ventures has won awards and been featured in trade videos, journals and commercials. Shelley has become an excellent role model providing guidance to other Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Best Western Tin Wis Resort, located in Tofino is a full-facility year round resort. Its mission is to deliver exceptional service and value to resort guests and to be a long-standing economic contributor and employer for the Resort’s owners, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
Established 25 years ago, Tin Wis has been the recipient of multiple industry awards. Its annual occupancy rate has climbed over 80% and it continues to be one of the regions largest employers of First Nations staff. It gives back to the community with in-kind donations of hotel facilities for cultural ceremonies and other community events.
Beyond the Bell Out of School opened in 2014 when Cathy Balatti took a big leap of faith as she had to learn all about the nuts and bolts of running a business. Within four months, the program was operating at 100% capacity with a growing waitlist. Cathy’s program exemplifies quality childcare in meeting the needs of working parents and children in their developing years.
People like Cathy don’t come along very often in this world, say the parents of her charges. She inspires her peers with her solid business model combined with a passion for her job – proving that when you love what you do, success is possible.
Chastity Davis has been in business for the past six years and is a highly sought after consultant building relationships and bridges for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Chastity works with many of BC’s top companies sharing her perspective on reconciliation, Indigenous economy and much more.
Chastity’s entrepreneurial practice is based in community engagement. Her core business values aim to create a world of belonging by sharing her skills and ideas and mentoring others. An inspiring and visionary leader, Chastity has made contributions in the fields of business, women’s wellness, and cross cultural awareness. Chastity Davis Consulting is her life’s work and her life’s purpose.
Gordon Peters Logging Ltd. is the major logging contractor for West Fraser Sawmills and has been managed for the past 57 years by owner Gordon Peters, an acknowledged industry leader and mentor. Still an active manager at 86 years of age, he has the grit and drive to thrive in this tough industry.
Over the years, the company has grown from one man with one dozer to a full-scale logging operation with 24 pieces of equipment and 30+ employees. It continuously pursues its goals to deliver safe, quality logging services, long term employment to local individuals and expertise in the development of sustainable logging practices.
Homalco Forestry LP – known as HFLP, was established in 2011 to provide Forest Management and Timber Harvesting Services within the traditional territory of the Homalco First Nation. It provides forest management expertise to help ensure that the forest resources are developed sustainably for present and future generations of Homalco people.
The company was built from the ground up with no large capital investment. It continues to grow and stay competitive in the marketplace. Its long-term goal is to provide jobs, training and revenue for the community and its band members. HFLP is an inspiration for all Indigenous communities interested in owning or developing their own logging companies.
