Award Category: Indigenous Business Award

Tina Thompson’s husband, a telecommunications repair worker, came home one day with a used syringe needle in his boot. Horrified, Tina set out to prevent this workplace hazard and improve conditions for those who work underground. The result is the patented Manhole Under Ground Flap, a device that blocks waste, specifically syringes, from entering manhole covers. TELUS Communications conducted a successful product field trial with MUG in 2007 and has since implemented MUGS throughout the downtown eastside of Vancouver and outlying areas. Tina’s invention and successful business strategies have now led to a US launch as well as future plans for international distribution.

A business plan infused with self-starter energy and sound practices has made Chilliwack’s AJ Towing an industry success. In 2006, beginning with one light-duty truck, the company has expanded to a fleet of 13 vehicles. Under the direction of owners Doug Siebert and his mother, Mary-Ann Jones-Siebert, this family business has obtained contracts with organizations such as the RCMP and ICBC while continuing to serve the everyday customer who requires their services.  The company’s goal is to bring integrity and service back to the towing industry with well-maintained trucks and uniformed, knowledgeable and courteous staff.

Lennard Joe established Grizzly Man Resources in Merritt in 1999 and the company is now one of the leading forestry consulting companies in BC. Grizzly-Man offers a diversified portfolio of professional services from full phase timber development to mapping and archeological assessments to integrated wildlife forestry and range management plans. Grizzly Man has achieved its business success by developing professional working relationships with First Nations’, government and industry. With eight full time employees, Grizzly Man provides employment, education mentoring, support for professional forestry organizations and contributes to the well-being of its community.

Theytus Books is the oldest First Nations owned and operated publishing house in Canada. Producing only Aboriginal artists and authors has given Theytus books a clear market position as a niche publisher devoted to cultural preservation and promotion.  Theytus believes in product diversity including editing, production, multi-media, and marketing and distribution within the book retail, educational and library channels in Canada and the US. With an excellent strategic business plan, award-winning Theytus Books is a widely respected publisher and has been a vital force within the BC and Canadian book publishing industry for nearly thirty years.

The priority of Burnaby-based DL Safety Consulting is to ensure that proper education and safety measures are taken so that workers, businesses, construction sites, special events, schools and roads are kept safe. And DL Safety Consulting successfully accomplishes this goal by delivering professional safety training, first-aid training and traffic control services. Partnering with well-known organizations such as Worksafe BC, Imperial Paving and UBC, DL Safety Consulting brings increased safety training to the lower mainland community. With twenty-five employees, positive working relationships and high employee satisfaction the company is growing at a rapid pace.

Selkin Logging Ltd. was established in 1990 by Robert and Gladys Michell. Armed with strong work ethics, education and determination, they saw an opportunity to be self-sufficient and have not looked back since. In 1998, Robert and Gladys expanded their successful logging business by adding a trucking company. From effectively managing a woodlot license, negotiating Forest and Range Agreements to delivering superior product to local mills, Selkin logging and its trucking company has sustained profitability over a challenging two decades. Known as outstanding corporate citizens, Selkin Logging has a staff of 22 and is committed to its Stellat’en First Nations community.

Established by the We Wai Kai First Nation in 2006, Quinsam Shell Service Station is located on the Island Highway in Campbell River.  Its mission is to provide employment opportunities, contribute to North Island tourism and establish greater community connection between the Quinsam and Campbell River communities.  From the outset, community and customer support has been overwhelming for the petroleum services, convenience store, car wash and recreational vehicle facility.  The 16-person team operating the station has followed a well-conceived business plan that has led to annual revenue increases.  Quinsam Shell Service Station is part of the Quinsam Commercial development and its profits flow to various social and economic development activities of the We Wai Kai First Nation Band.

Katzie Coast Marine Services is a joint venture between Katzie First Nation and Coast Marine Services. Working first together in 2006, the joint venture was later established to provide transportation services, construction and equipment for projects via land and sea. Each partner contributes knowledge and expertise ensuring a business that is competitive, sustainable and of real economic benefit to the Katzie First Nation and to Coast Marine. Today, Katzie Coast Marine has secured contracts serving the Port Mann Bridge and other components of the Gateway program. As well, Katzie Coast Marine has BC’s largest fleet of Side Dump Trucks enabling the economical movement of aggregate materials. This joint venture is a true role model for successful partnerships in BC.

Angelique Merasty Levac, a Métis, has revitalized the artistic tradition of birch bark biting and found an entrepreneurial home for her craft and the works of other First Nations in her store, Angelique’s Native Arts. Located in Prince George, the business has been in operation for 14 years. The ability to marry artistic endeavours with an entrepreneurial spirit while meeting the demands of the market place is an excellent role model. Angelique’s talents and success will inspire the next generation of Aboriginal creativity and entrepreneurship.