Award Category: Indigenous Business Award

Based in west central BC, Three Rivers Contracting Ltd. provides quality home construction and renovation services. First Nation business owners Kim Madsen and Aaron Wesley have built a solid reputation for quality workmanship and for buying from and supporting the local community.

In 2009, the Fort Nelson First Nation and Black Diamond Dene Group entered into an exclusive equity-based joint venture. Strategic and visionary, the 50/50 partnership focuses on the natural gas reserves of the Horn River Basin. The combination of the Fort Nelson First Nations’ local knowledge and Black Diamond’s expertise in providing worksite accommodation, oilfield equipment and other services is bringing long-lasting economic benefits to the area and Fort Nelson First Nation participation in the development of their traditional lands.

Métis co-owner, Louis De Jaeger, has created an outstanding award-winning restaurant offering an innovative West Coast menu in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Bravo Restaurant’s chefs create recipes that blend diverse cultural influences and utilize fresh local specialties. Now into its eighth year of operation, this popular Chilliwack business is a destination for clientele from all parts of the Lower Mainland.

Since 1993, Cedar Root Gallery has promoted Aboriginal artists and their work by offering an array of First Nations art, craft and products in a unique location at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre. Haida artist and matriarch of the family-owned business, Mona Moreno, has been integral to the operation and success of the gallery. Cedar Root Gallery has a strong commitment to its clientele and actively supports its urban Aboriginal Community.

Duz Cho Construction Ltd., owned by the McLeod Lake Indian Band is a contracting business, located in the Tse’khene territory, in northeastern BC. It clears and develops land, builds roads and dams and performs other earthmoving construction. With strong leadership and perseverance, the business has diversified, creating separate divisions in oil and gas, mining and alternate energy. Partnerships with Ledcor, Thompson Creek Metals, Dunn-za Ventures, Capital Power Corporation, Walter Energy Inc, the Duz Cho management team has seen an employment growth of over 400%, leading to a solid future for this community owned business. They are a clear leader and represent a strong model for economic development.

With an emphasis on skills training and the use of eco-friendly products, EM Salon & Spa has demonstrated sustainable growth since its establishment. Owner, Michelle Lapointe, believes in providing outstanding service to her clients while taking care of the environment. She aligns her philosophy with the exclusive use of a product line with a socially responsible focus towards the community and mother earth. With a client portfolio of over 4,600, Michelle’s team of professionals is dedicated to pampering clients from head to toe.

Halfyard Designs is a floral design company established in 2007. Owner, Denise Halfyard of the Tsimshian First Nation, has forged significant connections in the wedding and special event industries in the Lower Mainland. Denise focuses on her passion: beautiful and unique floral arrangements. Her signature is her excellent customer service. Halfyard Designs has been involved in many high profile functions and events, all of which add to the viability and competiveness of her business.

It all began in 1991, when Lewis and Cathy George of the Ahousaht First Nation had a dream of opening up a First Nation Gallery. In Tofino, they found a small 400 sq. foot space next to a restaurant and opened their doors with very little stock, but an abundance of enthusiasm and determination. Twenty years later, Himwitsa Enterprises is a thriving complex of tourism-based businesses: The House of Himwitsa, Himwitsa Lodge, Sea Shanty Restaurant and Dockside Cannery.

On the shores of Little Shuswap Lake, is an Aboriginal-themed 4-star destination resort owned by the Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band. For nineteen years, Quaaout Lodge & Talking Rock Golf course has been the best-kept secret of Chase – until now. Established in 1992, it has demonstrated consistent growth and market-driven expansion with a conference centre, 18-hole golf course and full-service spa, all steeped in First Nations tradition.

Since, the mid-1990’s, Denise Sparrow has brought the traditions of the Musqueam First Nation to Salishan Catering. Denise fuses the cultural knowledge that has been handed down to her by her mother and grandmother with modern foods to create original menus that are unique to the catering industry but true to her Aboriginal ancestry. Not only does Denise provide excellent service, she also sets high standards for the training she provides to local community members, introducing them to the culinary arts.