First Nations

The Kootenays are home to several key First Nations business people. Organizations like the Kootenay Aboriginal Business Development Agency (KABDA) help to inspire, support and assist First Nations entrepreneurs to get their companies started or boost their profit. Check out the articles below to learn more about the latest innovations from First Nations business owners, and the impact they have on their community and economy.

Recent First Nations articles

Aaron Higgs standing in nursery greenhouse.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Environment, First Nations , Forestry

Strength and resilience: Nupqu shares the same name and characteristics as a black bear

Aaron Higgs, president of Nupqu Resource Limited Partnership, is growing this Indigenous-owned company through plants, people and profits

by Kerry Shellborn and Kyle Born
Corrie Walkley stands, arms folded in a boardroom in front of a wooden sign with the Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. logo.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, First Nations

How business-savvy are Ktunaxa entrepreneurs? The creator of Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. explains

Corrie Walkley, chair of Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd., discusses the Ktunaxa Nation’s governance and economic development efforts.

by Kerry Shellborn and Kyle Born
Kelly Terbasket standing in a field
First Nations

Building bridges and fostering hope

Kelly Terbasket, Program Director of kinSHIFT and IndigenEYEZ, discusses the value of Indigenous-led leadership training and empowerment initiatives

by Danielle Brost
Mount Fisher shown as captured by Indigenous photographer Blaine Burgoyn
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, First Nations

Indigenous bands and businesses in the Kootenay region of British Columbia

Indigenous-owned businesses are an integral part of our local economy and contribute to the well-being of First Nation communities

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Janice Alpine is a business development officer/tourism engagement with the Ktunaxa Nation.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, First Nations

The Ktunaxa mean business

Janice Alpine is an expert on the diversity of Ktunaxa businesses, the skills they bring to the table, and the opportunities that exist within the community.

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Dana Wesley is using her role to bring about positive changes.
Education, First Nations

Celebrating and representing First Nations values in education

Dana Wesley is excelling in her role as Executive Director, Indigenous Strategy and Reconciliation for the College of the Rockies.

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Aerial view of Tent Mountain mine.
East Kootenay, First Nations , Mining

Tent Mountain green energy plan: triple solution

The three-way green energy project is the result of great minds coming together against a challenging problem.

by Timothy Fowler
Mortensen with shovel in hand, standing in forest.
Education, Environment, First Nations , Mining

Gold miner Mitch Mortensen is the perfect advocate for placer mining in B.C.

Placer mining in B.C. has no better advocate than gold miner Mitch Mortensen of Snowshoe Mountain Resources Corp.

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A blue sign that says Blue Canoe Orchards next to a box of cherries on a stump in the midst of a cherry farm.
West Kootenay, Revelstoke, Agriculture, Cuisine, First Nations , Small Business

Creston’s new Blue Canoe Orchards is doing everything imaginable to put fresh cherries in YOUR hands

Trent Mason, Aboriginal owner of Blue Canoe Orchards in Creston, B.C., aims to distribute fresh cherries throughout the Kootenays

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Promoted First Nations businesses

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