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

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.

by
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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View of towering mountains, with alpine slopes below.
Kootenay BizBlog, Environment, First Nations

MP Wayne Stetksi congratulates the Ktunaxa on approval of project to protect Qat’muk

To the Ktunaxa, Qat’muk is home to the Grizzly Bear Spirit which is a source of protection, guidance and strength

People at an museum exhibit.
Kootenay BizBlog, East Kootenay, Kimberley, Environment, First Nations

Showcasing Arts and Culture of the Columbia River Basin

Poets, performers, visual art displays included at international conference

Promoted First Nations businesses

View all First Nations articles