Award Category: Indigenous Business Award

Lil’wat Holdings Limited Partnership is the holding company for all of the operating companies of the Lil’wat Nation (DBA Lil’wat Business Group) and includes: Lil’wat Retail Operations LP, Lil’wat Forestry Ventures LP, Lil’wat Construction Enterprises LP, Lil’wat Capital Assets LP, and Lil’wat Management Services LP. Lil’wat Holdings has been instrumental in bringing broadband services to the Nation and in helping acquire forestry rights so that the Nation can control its valuable natural resources and dictate logging activities. In 2009 the Nation opened a full-service grocery store (Tsípun Supermarket at Xetólacw) in Mount Currie to provide fresh, consistent, food supplies and retail work opportunities and training. It also offers financial and advisory support to community members, and its gas station (Lil’wat Station) has become a meeting and gathering place. Future plans include the construction of a new gas station in Whistler, BC along with a mixed use commercial/residential development in Whistler, expansion of their commercial core in Mount Currie and further residential development in both Whistler and Pemberton.

Alkali Resource Management Ltd. (ARM) is an integrated forest management company established in 2001 to manage the forest licenses, woodlot and community forest on behalf of Esk’etemc (formerly Alkali Lake Indian Band). ARM blends traditional land management practices with the latest technologies. 100% owned by the Esk’etemc people, ARM’s mission is to manage Esk’etemc forest resources ensuring a balance of economic, social and environmental benefits for Esk’etemc members, other forest users and neighbouring communities. ARM is committed to ensuring employment opportunities for community members and leads the way in the industry through implementing traditional wildfire management practices.

OneFeather is an Indigenous technology company redefining the Indigenous experience through tradition and innovation. Grounded in First Nations values and principles, OneFeather offers digital services for modern nation-building including election and voting services, data sovereignty, community engagement, and a full suite of banking solutions for the individual. OneFeather supports over 190 First Nations and Métis Nations across the country and their 230,000 members. With the launch of the new OneFeather APP and OneFeather PAY, OneFeather is leading the way to cultivate systemic change that will go far towards eliminating the pains of colonialism, systemic racism and enable Indigenous sovereignty in Canada.

Skwálwen (skwall – win) creates small batch botanical skin care products based on Indigenous Plant Science while honouring traditional Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) plant knowledge. Its products incorporate wild harvested plants with organic, high quality ingredients. As an ethnobotanist and researcher, Founder Leigh Joseph aims to contribute to cultural knowledge renewal by drawing on teachings learned from family and community members in connection to Indigenous plants. Skwálwen provides a platform to share these stories while increasing Indigenous representation in the skincare sector. Along with donating product for events, raffles and community use, Skwálwen has planted hundreds of Indigenous plants back onto the lands in partnership with Indigenous youth.

In 2017 Founder/CEO Nicole McLaren launched Raven Reads – a subscription box service that delivers custom, curated books and giftware written or created by Indigenous people from around the world. Born from a desire to educate others about the devastating impact of residential schools on Indigenous people in Canada, Raven Reads aims to create a safe space for dialogue while providing opportunities to learn about other cultures and history. Raven Reads has distributed over 5,000 books written by Indigenous authors and has become a trusted brand that supports other Indigenous entrepreneurs by purchasing directly from the source. What began as a book club has grown into a successful Indigenous owned business with over 800 subscribers.

Longhouse Media provides local, national and international clients with solutions that add value to businesses and brands. They offer services such as: video production, web design, digital advertising, custom software/automation, social media management, Google rankings and graphic design. Longhouse Media strives to incorporate the same values as Métis Nation BC: teamwork, respect, dedication, accountability, integrity and professionalism. As part of its community outreach, the company offers the ‘Longhouse Media Aboriginal Youth Mentorship Award’ providing a $1,000 scholarship and the opportunity to learn skills that are important to running a successful business in today’s economy.

Paulette Flamond was honoured with the 2019 BC Indigenous Business Award of Distinction in recognition of her extraordinary efforts towards economic development and business in the Province. As Executive Director of the Northeast Aboriginal Business Centre for the past 17 years and owner of Scoop Clothing Ltd., Paulette Flamond leads by example and strives to improve communities by encouraging wellness, training and entrepreneurship. A self-described “servant leader” Paulette is a strong Métis woman whose style of leadership is evidenced in her support of women entrepreneurs and her dedication to social enterprises such as the Indigenous artists’ market. Paulette’s impact includes a 29-year board commitment to Indigenous business, including the Canada Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers, the Aboriginal Business Network, NEDAB Native Economic Development Advisory Board for the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) and the Northern Development Initiative Trust. From 2001 to 2019, she served on MIRR’s Council on Indigenous Women. In July 2019 Paulette joined the board of ICBC marking its first Indigenous appointment.