Award Category: Indigenous Business Award

Chu Cho Industries is owned by Tsay Keh Dene Band and its development Corporation and is located in northern British Columbia.  It is deeply influenced by its responsibilities as a major employer to the Ksay Keh Denepeople and the responsibilities of good economic and environmental stewardship. Chu Cho’s operations involve Heavy Equipment Construction, Earth Moving, Transportation and servicing contracts for debris management and dust mitigation. Their clients include BC Hydro and Teck.  The company has successfully grown at an amazing rate, now employing up to 65 First Nations’ employees in seasonal activities.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, The Gathering Place at Vancouver Island University and the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, are examples of the inspiring designs of Alfred Waugh and his team at Formline Architecture. Alfred has built a unique firm with a client base that is 95% Aboriginal. Culture, community, environment and technology are the elements that are integrated into Formline’s designs. He specializes in custom cultural and innovative wood buildings, structures and installations that celebrate the local values and ambitions of the community.

Investing in and supporting the arts and culture of the First Nations, especially those of the Ko’moks First Nation, is the mission of I HOS Gallery in Courtenay. It has been a Vancouver Island destination since its doors opened in 1995. I HOS, staffed by Ko’moks First Nation Band members, showcases Aboriginal culture such as masks, prints, carvings, clothing and books, at a wide range of prices. TheGallery is an integral part of the community and hosts many events including National Aboriginal Day and the I HOS Arts Festival.

LHI Tutl’it Services is led by George Lacerte, a member of the Nadleh Whut’en  Band. Through George’s leadership, LHI has become a major resource management company since it partnered with Stephen Bros. Contracting and TDB Consulting in 2008. It has grown in size, stability and capacity. LHI has developed a model of working with other bands to create opportunities for their members’ employment and to build up the local work force. Today, LHI provides the finance, bonding and equipment to carry out specialized mechanical work. It offers innovative techniques, safe work procedures and quality assurance in all the projects it undertake.

Passion and perseverance are the hallmarks of Inez Cook and her partner Remi Caudron, co-owners of Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro in Vancouver. They saw an opportunity prior to the Vancouver Olympics to open a fully licensed restaurant serving First Nations cuisine. Their menu is based on traditional ingredients prepared to please a modern palate. They proudly serve wild local fish, organic and free range meats, bannock and other culinary delights inspired by a variety of First Nations traditions. Salmon n’ Bannock’s revenues have tripled and it has also received top accolades from the food and beverage industry