Award Category: Indigenous Business Award

The combined forces of the Tsawwassen First Nation and Matcon Civil Constructors Inc. have resulted in a profitable joint venture. Specializing in large-scale excavations, land remediation, heavy road construction and underground utility installations, this viable partnership has successfully bid on both public and private projects. The partnering of these two entities has generated significant revenues, employment and on-the-job training opportunities for Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals while respecting the cultural heritage and surrounding Tsawwassen First Nation territory.

In 2007, Brady Erixon, with his brother, Justin, acquired Sportsman Light Trucks Ltd. Through careful management and effective marketing, the company, which serves a niche market of off-road and recreational vehicles has expanded services and increased profitability.

Chief Louie was elected Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band in 1985 at the age of 25. Under his leadership, the Band has built a multi-faceted corporation that owns and manages nine businesses, including Nk’Mip Gas and Convenience Store, Nk’Mip Construction, Oliver Ready-Mix Ltd., Nk’Mip Daycare, Nk’Mip RV Park, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Sonora Dunes Golf Course, Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa, Nk’Mip Cellars, the first Aboriginal winery in North America and most recently, the Senkulmen Business Park.

CSC Electric Ltd. employs 31 electricians and provides quality service to residential, commercial and industrial clients. Significant growth has been realized since 2009, when the company focused on the industrial sector, specifically mining companies in the Kamloops area.

Knotty By Nature is a retail business devoted to fibre arts such as knitting, spinning, weaving and felting, offering both instruction and materials. Owner, Stephanie Papik has succeeded by sourcing local materials and supporting the community through unique initiatives including ‘Fibrations’, a fibre arts festival

Lara Yanik is the majority partner in The Pilates Connection, a studio established in Vernon in 2009 which offers Pilates classes as well as training classes for instructors. The Pilates Connection has succeeded in the competitive market of health and wellness, cultivating a vibrant community around its studio.

Takaya Developments Ltd. was established 19 years ago by the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and its partners, NSI Strategic Investments and Sligo Holdings Ltd. With close to 800 homes in the Raven Woods community of North Vancouver, Takaya Developments Ltd. is a leader in real estate development and a model of innovation and success.

Over the past two years Amy Dopson has developed PAC10 Tutoring in Prince Rupert into a business aimed at supporting and enriching the student experience within the education system. The services heavily emphasize Math, English and Science and offer flexible programs which work within a student’s school schedule. The business provides a diverse set of options meeting the needs of each client and includes monthly group programs, private sessions and year-round tutoring services.

The Coast Tsimshian Resources Limited Partnership is fully owned by Lax Kw’alaams Band. From small beginnings in 2004, the company has grown over the past five years and is now a leading employer in the Northwest. The company operates its forest licence and has a new initiative: converting wood waste into a coal-like product to be marketed as “green energy”.