Celebrating Ktunaxa strength in business and culture

Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. blends cultural values and economic opportunity

— Photo courtesy Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd.

Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. (KEL) is a vital business entity for the Ktunaxa Nation, playing a unique role as a partner organization representing the interests of four Ktunaxa First Nations. As a company collectively owned by the Ktunaxa people, KEL seeks to support sustainable economic growth while upholding the Nation’s cultural values. In an interview with Heather Burrows, Business Manager of KEL, we discuss the launch of a new promotional video, which highlights the company’s operations, key partnerships, and vision for the future.

What is the main message that Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. would like share?

Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd (KEL) is the general partner of Ktunaxa Holdings Limited Partnership with Limited Partners including each of the Ktunaxa First Nations of ʔAkisq’nuk, ʔAq'am, Yaqan Nuʔkiy, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it as well as the Ktunaxa Nation Council Society. We are a private company, but our ownership is comprised of all Ktunaxa Citizens by way of their governments (our Limited Partners). Current Business Units include Nupqu Resource Limited Partnership (Nupqu), Kettle River Contracting Limited Partnership (KRC) and ʔAmakʔis Transport Inc.

Through our recently developed promotional video, we hope to share the unique and powerful ownership structure of KEL and our Business Units. We are the only business entity that is owned collectively by the entire Ktunaxa Nation; we hope this video instills pride in our ownership and provides reassurance to our business partners.

- Photo courtesy Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. 

What was involved in putting together the promo video?

This video was a long time in the making. KEL’s ownership structure is complex- especially if you don’t have a foundational understanding of the governance structure of the Ktunaxa Nation, and we know this is one of our strengths and provides us with a competitive advantage. Since our operationalization in 2019, we have been brainstorming the best way to showcase our ownership structure and our professional services that we offer in an engaging manner.

Once the concept of the video was conceived, our Board of Directors approved the project, and we got buy-in from our shareholding Board of Directors, “NumCo” who are featured in the video. We received a grant from Indigenous Services Canada, developed a story board with the help of our awesome videographer from Big Magic Studio, and got to shooting. We wanted to allow space for our leaders to share their insight and vision, and it took some coordination to ensure we were able to include each of our NumCo Directors, as well as key individuals who supported the establishment of KEL along the way such as Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Chair, and Corrie Walkley, KEL Board Chair.

How does being collectively owned by the Ktunaxa Nation influence Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd.'s business operations and strategies?

The collective ownership structure is integral in all aspects of our business. From the legal structure, reporting requirements, policy development, and governance practices, KEL and our Business Units are always considering the collective. We benefit from certain procurement opportunities due to our structure, and we also have certain obligations and responsibilities because of it as well.

What are some of the key industries your organization is involved in?

KEL currently has three Business Units with various areas of expertise.

Nupqu specializes in natural resources management and specifically provides services in the following areas:

• Forestry
• Environmental professional services, reclamation, remediation and monitoring
• Native plant nursery
• Archeology and culture resource management
• Occupational health and safety
• Fisheries & Wildlife Monitoring
• Contract management

KRC specializes in heavy industrial civil construction and, among much more, some services they provide include:

• Site development
• Bridge installation
• Rough/final grading
• Aggregate crushing
• Deep underground utilities
• Clearing and mulching
• Road construction
• Surveying
• Contract mining
• Reclamation/remediation
• Offshore Ice Roads/Islands
• Airstrips
• Surface Water
• Management Pilings
• Earth Dams and Tailings
• Ponds and Liners
• Pit development

ʔAmakʔis Transport Inc. is a log hauling company that has been hauling specifically for Canfor since its inception in 2020.

- Photo courtesy Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. 

How does Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. balance its commercial interests with the cultural and environmental values of the Ktunaxa Nation?

KEL and our Business Units ensure Ktunaxa Values guide all operations. Prior to operationalization, KEL worked with our shareholders to develop an all-encompassing Corporate Charter which lays the groundwork on how we do business. Ktunaxa Interests are detailed within the Charter and they guide all levels of operations throughout KEL and Business Units. 

What are some of your upcoming projects and goals for the near future?

In the short-term, our goal is to continue to diversify our investment portfolio, while simultaneously working to better meet the needs of current clients. One exciting initiative we can share is working with Nupqu to increase capacity at their Native Plant nursery.

In addition, KEL and our Business Units will continue supporting and working with other Ktunaxa Businesses. An example of a strong collaboration is the ʔAq'am gravel pit. KRC has partnered with ʔAq'am Community Enterprises to turn a previously inactive gravel pit on the ʔaq'am reserve into an active and successful business providing a full range of aggregate for commercial and industrial use.

- Photo courtesy Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. 

What are some of the biggest challenges Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. faces in its industry, and how does the company address them?

Like many employers, KEL and our Business Units struggle to fill employment gaps especially the project specific employment opportunities. KEL and Business Units are always looking for qualified employees in a variety of positions (check out webpage for specific ads).

To address this challenge, we ensure that KEL and our Business Units provide an amazing employment environment with competitive salary, strong benefit package and a great workplace culture. In addition, we share every employment opportunity online and directly to the Ktunaxa Nation First Nations and Ktunaxa Nation Council Society Education & Employment Sector, and proactively strategize to fill upcoming employment needs.

Can you share any success stories of collaborations with key industry stakeholders like Teck Coal and BC Hydro?

KEL has a number of key industry stakeholders including Fortis, Canfor, TC Energy, Teck Coal (now Elk Valley Resources or EVR) and BC Hydro. These big-industry players have various agreements with the Ktunaxa Nation and have also established meaningful business relations with KEL, from which we realize many success stories. Below are two such stories:

EVR has always been a significant client for Nupqu and was a driving force behind KEL’s partnership with KRC as majority owner. In 2016, EVR and the Ktunaxa Nation signed an Impact Management and Benefit agreement, detailing EVR’s commitment to support and work to improve capacity within Ktunaxa Businesses like KRC, and increase engagement year after year. Primarily due to this agreement, KRC realized incredible and exponential growth, employing over 230 people during peak season and significantly improving the financial position of our owners.

BC Hydro is another significant client for Nupqu and KRC. At the time of writing, KRC is wrapping up a major project for the BC Hydro Natal Substation in Sparwood, BC. This project has been ongoing for 18 months with around 25 KRC employees on site each day. Scope of the project included all earthworks, preparation and install of the substation. BC Hydro has been so pleased with KRC’s work, this project has been selected as BC Hydro’s Aboriginal Focal Point project of the year.

In addition to the companies listed about, KEL has also has entered in business agreements with a number of strategically selected companies. These companies either complement or help diversify existing offerings, support current projects and/or provide additional benefits for Ktunaxa members and the full list can be found on our website.