The Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses is the arm’s length economic development corporation of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation. It initially started with forestry businesses but grew to include an additional six limited partnership operation, comprising of 14 businesses in six years. It started with one employee in 2011 and now has over 120 full time, part-time, and casual employees.
A recent purchase of 11 properties has breathed new life into the community providing additional jobs and revenues for the Huu-ay-aht. As Chief Councillor Robert Dennis Sr. likes to say, “our businesses allow us to manage prosperity instead of poverty.”
Life Compass Counseling provides counseling services for children, adults, couples and families with a variety of behavioural and emotional issues. Under its umbrella, Equine Edge offers equine assisted therapy by partnering patients with horses to address those same challenges. Services are provided in an arena surrounded by four legged therapists offering innovative programs for youth where traditional approaches have not worked.
Based in a chronically underserved area of the province, Life Compass Counseling has assisted many families who would otherwise go without support. Since its formation in 2009, the business has grown exponentially in size, scope and has served numerous and diverse patient needs.
Tricia Thomas, owner and creative director of Salish Eye Productions, wears many hats – designer, project manager, marketing manager, photographer, video editor. Salish Eye Productions, a multimedia company, offers services primarily to First Nations. Its mission is to help create beautiful and meaningful digital content. Set up as a mobile company in 2014, its expansion plans in the past year have led it to acquire land and buildings on reserve for a studio and office.
Tricia serves as a role model to young Indigenous entrepreneurs. Her desire is to tell stories the way they are supposed to be told instead of by someone from the outside looking in.
Veridis Plumbing & Heating owned and operated by Corry Belcourt is a full service plumbing, heating and gas company serving the Cowichan Valley. Services offered by Veridis Plumbing & Heating include installation, repairs and maintenance for plumbing, heating and gas mechanical systems. They aim to be known as “Reliable-Honest-Efficient” exactly as advertised.
In a very competitive market, the business continues to grow. Multinational manufacturers and suppliers rely on Verdis to support their customers directly. Veridis employees are proud corporate citizens and contribute to South Cowichan Community Policing, the BCSPCA, HeroWork, and the Rotary Club of Duncan.
