Award Category: Indigenous Business Award

Silviculture is more than just planting trees explains Robert Dick, President of Spirit Lake Silviculture of Campbell River. His company  works to control the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests to meet the specific needs and values of the community and clients. As a vegetation management service established six years ago, Spirit Lake delivers it services by providing a high standard of safety and environmental protection. Spirit Lake Silviculture is known to be diligent, productive, cost-competitive and effective.

If you bike in Vernon, or your travelling to the Silver Star Resort or using the local bike trails, you will know Skyride Cycle. Terrence Giesbrecht launched Vernon’s favorite cycle store eleven years ago in partnership with his father. From a home based start-up to a full service, year round board and cycle shop, Terrence has overseen consistent growth. Terence’s positive attitude, and his outstanding customer service is complemented by his responsibility to the community. We commend Terence for his commitment to entrepreneurship and to the success of Skyride Cycle.

Tipi Mountain Native Plants of Cranbrook is focused on providing local native plant material to British Columbia’s varied ecosystems. It grows over 80 different species and propagates its stock from locally collected seed plants. Tipi Mountain is at the leading edge of the upsurge in commercial and social interest in using native plant species. It has created an excellent community based training program in native plant horticulture and collaborates with other First Nations to share knowledge.

Uniting business and culture, that’s the sustaining vision of Transformation International, a social and economic development consulting company. Owners, Ainjil Hunt and Carol Anne Hilton are recognized leaders in their field offering their specialized services to First Nations, businesses, government and industries. From resource management advising, social and economic development strategies, corporate engagement,facilitation, training and organizational development, Transformation is truly an innovative and responsive company. As their name suggests, they are in the business of transformations, making a positive impact communities, organizations and corporations.