Skywest Environmental Inc. is a 100% First Nations owned and operated civil contracting and excavation company based in Williams Lake, BC. Deeply rooted in environmental stewardship, Skywest integrates First Nations values into every project, prioritizing safety, sustainability, and client satisfaction.
Skywest offers a full suite of services including earthworks, roadworks, demolition, and in-stream environmental projects. Their team is trained in Department of Fisheries regulations, and their equipment uses biodegradable hydraulic oil, ensuring work is completed responsibly and in compliance with environmental standards.
As a bonded contractor, Skywest provides end-to-end project management—delivering quality results on time and on budget. Their portfolio includes creek isolations, erosion control, and watercourse pumping, often in partnership with environmental consultants for added oversight.
More than a service provider, Skywest is a trusted partner in sustainable development. Their commitment to protecting land and water while creating opportunity for future generations reflects a vision where economic progress and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Yucwmenlúcwu, meaning Caretakers of the Land in Secwepemctsin, reflects the Splatsin People’s deep-rooted commitment to stewardship of Secwepemcúl̓ecw (Shuswap) and beyond. Guided by cultural values and a deep respect for the land, Yucwmenlúcwu delivers industry-recognized forestry, archaeological, and environmental services from concept to completion.Based in BC’s Interior, Yucwmenlúcwu is a trusted Indigenous-owned company combining the expertise of certified technicians, skilled professionals, and long-standing industry partners. Their integrated approach balances conservation and economic development, applying practical, innovative solutions to projects of all sizes and complexities.
Whether managing environmental assessments, archaeological reviews, or forestry operations, Yucwmenlúcwu ensures projects are completed with the highest standards of safety, reliability, and care. The organization also plays a key role in capacity building—working closely with partners to support long-term sustainability and economic opportunity for future generations. With a strong reputation for collaboration, cultural integrity, and technical excellence, Yucwmenlúcwu is redefining land stewardship through Indigenous leadership and innovation.
At age 17, Mathew Morfitt bought a used Mercedes-Benz with an $8000 loan and sold it a month later for $2000 more. An entrepreneur was born! Thirteen years later, knowing his niche, Mathew opened Van-Isle Auto Brokers, a high-end used car dealership with 25 vehicles. Today, three years later, the business has 60 cars in inventory, employs four staff and generates up to 5 m. in annual sales.
Second Pass Forestry is a Natural Resources Consulting company, owned and operated by Darcy and Tanner Le Bourdais specializing in quality, multi-phase timber development. Starting small in 2015 with minimal funding, subsequent demand for their services grew so quickly that they were able to expand their business model. They have taken their business beyond an environmentally responsible forestry company while providing greater stewardship over an important natural resource.
Haida Style Expeditions, owned and operated by James and Shawn Cowpar, offers an authentic Indigenous eco-tourism experience, one filled with storytelling and culture. Gross Revenue Sales in the past four years have increased by triple digit numbers. With the international coverage Haida Style Expeditions has received, its brand has been established. Its goal is to continue to work with community-based tourism businesses, providing inspiration to all local entrepreneurs.
Jon Carlson is the proprietor of Kootenay Waste Services. Two years ago, he took a huge risk. Knowing nothing of the industry, he bought a company that had no capital and owed tens of thousands of dollars. He felt he could put his entrepreneurship and work ethic to the test. And it has paid off as his community- oriented family business continues to grow and increase its revenues!
Kikinaw Energy Services, an industrial maintenance and construction contractor supporting Wind Energy, Oil & Gas, Mining & Utility sectors, is a home-grown local success story spearheaded by Kikinaw President, Kory Wood. From its modest beginnings in 2014, Kikinaw has expanded to 25 employees providing services to the three largest wind turbine manufacturers globally and offering training and employment opportunities for local stakeholders and First Nations people.
Located on the Skeetchestn Reserve, Painted Rock Aggregates provides customers in the region with the highest quality aggregate products, while employing and training people on the reserve and keeping money in the community. Significant restructuring in the spring of 2015 brought the company from an alarming deficit to a production efficiency that has seen outputs skyrocket and a customer base expand significantly.
In 1972 Splats’in Indian Band built a small store at the bottom of Canyon Rd and Highway 97A. From these humble beginnings, Quilakwa Investments has developed into a full service convenience store and a high-end iconic building that houses a Tim Hortons, a small art gallery and professional office space. It is now one of the biggest employers and economic drivers for Splats’in– a truly inspirational role model.
Cariboo Aboriginal Forestry Enterprises (CAFE) started out as a short-term venture between the Tl’esqox (Toosey) and Esk’etemc (Alkali Lake) communities over two years ago to manage and implement a forestry plan for the Chilcotin Training Area. CAFE has since grown substantially, directly benefitting eight communities as it provides inspiration to Indigenous communities to work together for their mutual economic advancement.
