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

Aiyana in traditional dress, standing beside a Ktunaxa Nations sign in front of the United Nations building
Education, First Nations

The woman who spoke Ktunaxa at the United Nations

Aiyana (Sa’tahtaki) Twigg brings Ktunaxa to the global stage while grounding her work in home and community

by Danielle Brost
Dana in front of the college
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Education, First Nations

Shaping the future of reconciliation at College of the Rockies

Executive Director Dana Wesley is working to make systemic change part of campus culture.

by Danielle Brost
Developments, First Nations

VAST Resource Solutions and Nupqu announce partnership

A new chapter of collaboration rooted in shared values, reconciliation, and community growth

Overview of Kettle River Contracting operation with trucks at the worksite
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, First Nations

Kettle River Contracting LP honoured with provincial Indigenous business award

Kettle River Contracting LP named Business Partnership of the Year at BC Achievement Foundation’s 17th Annual Indigenous Business Awards.

Icon with a lightbulb and the 2025 Thought Leaders heading in white letters
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Environment, First Nations , Health & Wellness, Retail

Top 10 thought leaders of 2025

Celebrating the visionaries driving change in the Kootenays.

by Danielle Brost
Darcy next to one of her designs, a gorgeous botanical mural
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, First Nations , Small Business

Honouring tradition through beadwork at Cedar and Pine Design

Ktunaxa artist Darcy Roshau creates intricate beadwork and murals to honour her community and culture.

by Danielle Brost
Environment, Financial, First Nations

Celebrating Ktunaxa strength in business and culture

Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. blends cultural values and economic opportunity

by Danielle Brost
Community Planner Norman Allard Jr.
East Kootenay, Creston, Environment, First Nations

Renewed commitment to wetland restoration in Yaqan NuɁkiy

Phase one in monitoring mode; onward with phase two.

by submitted by the Columbia Basin Trust
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

Promoted First Nations businesses

View all First Nations articles