INDIGENOUS BUSINESS IN FOCUS - KAMLOOPS PROGRESS

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2022

INDIGENOUSKAMLOOPS BUSINESS IN PROGRESS FOCUS KAMLOOPS PROGRESS CONNECT, INNOVATE & GROW

Rosanne Casimir is kúkpi7 (chief) of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

Looking forward with optimism Tk’émlúps continues its path to self-sustainability

I

by Rosanne Casimir want to extend my appreciation to Kamloops This Week for publishing Progress as it provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress that Tk’émlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) has made in the last year. The year 2021 was again a challenging one for all of us, with the ongoing pandemic, fires and floods. For TteS in particular, it was a devastating year with the discovery of the 215 unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. It was a discovery that left us, our relations and the world reeling as our truths were finally validated. Since our discovery, there have been other findings at former residential schools across the country, with likely more to come. We must believe now that Le Estcwicwéy (the missing children) have spoken, real healing can begin. The children have provided us a way to connect our First Nations history to the larger population that was not

possible before. As Canadians, we stood side by side in shock, pain and horror as human beings first, regardless of race. Through this gruesome discovery, truth telling has begun. Through Le Estcwicwéy, we used innovative technology to confirm the findings, which led us to connect in grief, resulting in growth and understanding of the importance of reconciliation and healing for our people. For a more traditional interpretation of Progress’s theme of Connect, Innovate and Grow, TteS, also has many achievements to celebrate this year. We are building a grocery store to service our members, as well as our neighbours. TteS is also moving forward on the Stswékstem (Strawberry Hill) Engineered Waste Management Facility. We are excited that after 23 years of no on-reserve member social housing, we have 10 new units for

34 | Kamloops This Week PROGRESS 2022

our elders at Tyee Park. TteS is also proud to be working with Telus to connect the remaining part of the main reserve to high-speed internet. This is a huge win for TteS as access to internet is becoming a basic human right in today’s society, for communication (especially during emergencies), education and work. This past year, the Federal Court approved a settlement agreement that resolves the day scholar and descendant claims, another step toward reconciliation. We continue to move forward to create a safer community for our members, resolve some outstanding infrastructure challenges and advocate politically on several fronts. We have been creative in continuing to engage with our membership and look forward to doing more in-person meetings, where we can come together and reconnect in a way that we haven’t been able to, due to the pandemic. We are so proud of our elders,

who were able to learn how to use technology to join meetings and stay connected to their families. It is our way, to gather as a community, and the loss of connection has been heavily felt. This pandemic has forced all of us to practise our resilience, which will be so much needed as our world continues to change and be impacted by climate change. We look to the future with great optimism. As a chief, I have committed to building a strong and supportive council that develops respectful and professional relationships with all internal and external parties. We will continue to strive toward self-sustainability while advancing our self-determination and continue our healing journey. I will end this with my personal motto, one I live by daily: “Know your passion, visualize your plan, collect your resources and be determined to succeed!”

Kamloops This Week PROGRESS 2021 | 35


Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Business & Economic Development

| 2022-2025

STRATEGIC PLAN

LAND LEASING

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Business & Economic DevelopmentSTRATEGIC STRATEGIC PLAN | 2022-2025 Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Business & Economic Development PLAN | 2022-2025

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Business & Economic Development

THE TteSBED STAFF

| 2022-2025

STRATEGIC PLAN

MISSION STATEMENT Land LAND LEASING LAND LEASING To strengthen our peopleOwners and human capacity by supporting Band LAND LEASING member-owned businesses. To maximize land use, development, business, and economic growth through stewardship of land, resources, environment, and culture. To responsibly and respectfully build economic sovereignty to support our community’s needs Land and vision.

Land Owners

Owners

VISION Land ’emlúps Crown/ te CorporationBand The Kamloops IndianTk Band Development and TteSBED, Owners guided by the Tkemlúpsemc ne Secwépemcu’l’ecw and our Her Majesty Secwépemec Members Federally Alsodevelop referred tothe Tkemlúpsu’l’ucw Also referred to in a ancestors will responsibly (lands) owned land as themanner Band CP Holders progressive and sustainable which respectsasour authority and jurisdiction to create culturally relevant, attractive, and successful economic’ opportunities for present Crown/ Tk’emlúps te and future generations. Band

Devin Gambler Business & Economic Development Manager

Crown/ Tkemlúps te Band Her Majesty Secwépemec Members Her Majesty Secwépemec Members VALUES Federally Also referred to Also referred to Also referred to owned land as the Band TteSBED and value... as theKIBDC Band permit as CP Holders Can

Federally owned land

Also referred to

as CP Holders Crown/ Tk’emlúps teCanourlease Band Can lease Head-lease • Strong partnerships that respect culture and nationhood. undesignated to public to public Her Majesty Secwépemec Members land to public Holders • A high-performance team who practice networking and who are

members members Also referred to Also referred to members problem solvers. as the Band as CP Holders Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Business & Economic Development STRATEGIC PLAN • Humility| 2022-2025 and patience with service to others and to the community. Can permit permit •Can Teamwork, accountability, transparency, understanding Can lease Can lease Can lease honesty, Can lease undesignated Head-lease Head-lease undesignated to public to public and agility to maximize economic opportunities and outcomes. to public to public Holders land to public land to public Holders members membersCan members members Can Can members • Environmental Leadership. members LAND LEASING sublease sublease sublease with owners’ to GUIDING public with owners’ Can permit PRINCIPLES Can consent lease Can consent lease members Head-lease undesignated 1. Service to Tkemlúps te Secwépemc and members. to public to public Chief, Council, land to public Holders CanGratitude Can Can Can Can Can for culture, members members and respect and member experience. sublease sublease sublease members sublease sublease sublease Performance and goal-oriented results, rooted in best practices to 2. public owners’ owners’ with owners’ to public with owners’ withwith Land members consent consent as defined inKamloops Community Use Plans relating to all consent members consent Indianand BandLand Development Corporation (KIBDC) Can Owners aspects of economic growth. is one of many corporations that holds head-leases. sub-sublease ’emlúps te have head-leases 200 lots within 3. Dedication to They development and on businesses inTk connection to with Secwépemec.Can KIBDC is overseen by the Can Canowners’ innovation, sustainability, and environmental leadership. consent Business Economic Development department. Kamloops Indian & Band Development Corporation (KIBDC) Can Kamloops Indian Band Development Corporation (KIBDC) sublease sublease Can sublease is one of many corporations that holdsaccountability, head-leases. 4. Pride inmany professionalism, transparency, and ethical is one of corporations that holds head-leases. sub-sublease with with owners’ ’ sub-subleaseto public Theyon have on’emlúps 200 lotstewithin Tkemlúps teowners’ They have head-leases 200head-leases lots within Tk with owners’ standards. with owners’ Secwépemec. members consent Secwépemec. KIBDC is overseen KIBDC by the is overseen by the consent Federally sound owned land

consent

consentBusiness & Economic Business & Economic Development department. Development department.

Tk’emlúps te Band Secwépemec Members Kamloops Indian Band Development Corporation (KIBDC)

Crown/ Her MajestyCan

Federally sub-sublease owned land

with owners’ consent

Head-lease Holders

is one that holds Also referred to of many corporations Also referred to head-leases. as the They Band have head-leases onas200 CP Holders lots within Tk’emlúps te

Can permit undesignated land to public members

Secwépemec. KIBDC is overseen by the Business & Economic Development department.

Can lease to public members

Can lease to public members

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Business & Economic Development • KIBDC

emc Business Economic Development 202220222025STRATEGIC STRATEGICPLAN PLAN mcBusiness Business Economic Development mc &&& Economic Development 2025 STRATEGIC PLAN 2025 | | |2022-

TteS Band Member CUTIVE SUMMARY CUTIVE SUMMARY UTIVE SUMMARY Owned Businesses

PROJECT, BUSINESS oops Indian Band Development Corporation (KIBDC) and Business Economic Development (TteSBED) opsIndian Indian Band Development Corporation (KIBDC) and Business Economic Development (TteSBED) ops Band Development Corporation (KIBDC) and Business &&& Economic Development (TteSBED) The KIBDC is proud of the hard work Chief manyand band members have usiness & Economic Development ’ elopment 20222025 STRATEGIC PLAN 2022-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN en by a manager who is guided by Tk emlúps te Secwépemc Council (CNCL and KIBDC Board). VENTURES & NEW | | ’ ’ nby byaamanager managerwho whoisisguided guidedby byTk Tkemlúps emlúpsteteSecwépemc SecwépemcChief Chiefand andCouncil Council(CNCL (CNCLand andKIBDC KIBDCBoard). Board). put into not only owning their own businesses, but creating C and TteSBED generate revenue that is critical for the sustainability of the Band. The KIBDC oversees andTteSBED TteSBEDgenerate generaterevenue revenuethat thatisiscritical criticalfor forthe thesustainability sustainabilityofofthe theBand. Band.The TheKIBDC KIBDCoversees oversees and businesses that are thriving. manage Their entrepreneurial success is anbusiness deasing leasing while TteSBED’s four project coordinators manage project developments for ongoing business OPPORTUNITIES leasing while TteSBED’s four project coordinators manage project developments for ongoing business while TteSBED’s four project coordinators project developments for ongoing ’ are considering this path. inspiration to other members who

ment until ready for lease activations. For over 40 years emlúps Secwèpemc (TteS) has been ’emlúps ’Tk ent until ready for lease activations. For over 40 years Tk Secwèpemc (TteS) has been nt until ready for lease activations. For over 40 years Tk emlúps tetete Secwèpemc (TteS) has been ng land for business operations including the Mount Paul Industrial Park with over 350+ tenants through gland landfor forbusiness businessoperations operationsincluding includingthe theMount MountPaul PaulIndustrial IndustrialPark Parkwith withover over350+ 350+tenants tenantsthrough through and KIBDC. Kamloops Indian Band Development Corporation (KIBDC) was incorporated 1977. ndKIBDC. KIBDC. Kamloops Indian Band Development Corporation (KIBDC) was incorporated 1977. nd Kamloops Indian Band Development Corporation (KIBDC) was incorporated ininin 1977. & Economic Development | 2022- 2025 STRATEGIC PLAN ndian Band Development andDevelopment Business & Economic t Corporation (KIBDC) andCorporation Business &(KIBDC) Economic (TteSBED)Development (TteSBED) NIZATIONAL IZATIONAL ZATIONAL ’emlúps manager whote is Secwépemc guided by TkChief Secwépemc and Council (CNCL and KIBDC Board). by Tk’emlúps andteCouncil (CNCLChief and KIBDC Board). TURE TURE TteSBED revenue that is critical sustainability the Band. The KIBDC oversees URE ue that isgenerate critical for the sustainability of for thethe Band. The KIBDC of oversees Executive Director Finance Executive Director Finance ng whilecoordinators TteSBED’s four project coordinators manage project developments Executive Director ofofof Finance &&&business for ongoing business project manage project developments for ongoing Corporate Services ’ ’ Corporate Services til ready lease For over 40 years Services Tk emlúps te been Secwèpemc (TteS) has been ations. Forfor over 40 activations. years Tkemlúps te Corporate Secwèpemc (TteS) has Travis Anderson Travis Anderson business operations including thePark Mount Paul Industrial Park with over 350+ tenants through Travis Anderson s for including the Mount Paul Industrial with over 350+ tenants through Chief Council (Corporation) Chief Council (Corporation) Chief &&& Council (Corporation) BDC. Kamloops Indian Band Development Corporation (KIBDC) was incorporated in 1977. and Development Corporation (KIBDC)and wasBusiness incorporated in 1977.Development 2022-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN Development Corporation (KIBDC) & Economic (TteSBED) |nd Leadership KIBDC Board Leadership KIBDCBoard Board Leadership KIBDC r who is guided by Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Chief and Council (CNCL and KIBDC Board). TIONAL Manager of the Band. The KIBDC oversees generate revenue that is critical for the sustainability Manager Manager Devin Gambler TteSBED’s four project coordinators manage project developments for ongoing business DevinGambler Gambler Devin E ’ for lease activations. For over 40 years Tk emlúps te Secwèpemc (TteS) has been Executive Director of Finance & Executive Director of Finance & Corporate Services ness operations including the Mount Paul Industrial Park with over 350+ tenants through Corporate Services Business & Economic Business Economic Travis Anderson mloops Indian Band Development Corporation (KIBDC) was incorporated in 1977. Business &&Economic Travis Anderson KIBDC on (KIBDC) and Business &KIBDC Economic Development (TteSBED) KIBDC Chief & Council (Corporation) Development Chief & Council Development Development (Corporation) ps te Secwépemc and Council (CNCL and KIBDC Board). (Corporation) (Corporation) Leadership KIBDC Board Chief (Department TteS) Leadership (Department TteS) ofofof TteS) Litical Lands & Leasing Specialist for the sustainability of the Band. The KIBDC oversees(Department Lands&&Leasing Leasing Specialist Lands Specialist 4 Project Coordinators ProjectCoordinators Coordinators 44Project dinators manage project developmentsManager for ongoing business Manager ’ ver 40 yearsDevin Tkemlúps te SecwèpemcDevin (TteS)Gambler has been Gambler Executive Director of Finance & Note: KIBDC Board comprised Chief Council. Note: KIBDC Board comprised Chief Council. Note: KIBDC Board isisis comprised ofofof Chief &&& Council. he Mount Paul Industrial Park with over 350+ tenants through Corporate Services pment Corporation (KIBDC) was incorporated in 1977. aproject project management led economic business development department, while KIBDC adevelopment development sis management led economic business development department, while KIBDC aaproject management led economic business development department, while KIBDC isisis aadevelopment Travis Anderson on which operates at an arms distance from CNCL reduce the liability the Band and separate Chief & Council oration) Business & liability Economic nwhich which operates an arms distance from CNCL reduce the liability the Band and separate operates atat an arms distance from CNCL tototo reduce the tototo the Band and separate Business & Economic KIBDC Cconfl ict of interest between business and politics. We believe liability can be further reduced CNCL Leadership C Board Development onflict ictofofinterest interest betweenbusiness business andpolitics. politics.We Webelieve believeliability liabilitycan canbe befurther furtherreduced reducedtototo CNCL onfl between and CNCL Development (Corporation) tion) separate governing board for KIBDC. separate governing boardSpecialist for KIBDC. eparate governing board for KIBDC. (Department of TteS) (Department of TteS) Lands & Leasing gDirector Specialist Manager of Finance & 4 recent Projectyears. Coordinators 4astonishing Project Coordinators and KIBDC have experienced astonishing growth Alack lack stability due an ndKIBDC KIBDC have experienced astonishing growth recentyears. years.AAlack stability due an nd have experienced ininin recent ofofof stability due tototo an Devin Gamblergrowth porate Services ency in staff (with business and economic development experience) and leadership forced the ncy staff(with (withNote: business and economic development experience) andleadership leadershipforced forcedthe the cy inin staff business and economic development experience) KIBDC Board is comprised of Chief & Council.and avis Anderson BDC Board is comprised of Chief & Council. into areactive reactive mode responding CNCL priorities and increased inquiries. Chief to &toto Council nt into mode responding CNCL priorities and increased inquiries. tnt into aareactive mode responding CNCL priorities and increased inquiries. oject management led economic business development department, while Leadership conomic business development department, while KIBDC isofof a developmentKIBDC is a development of economic inquiry, growth opportunities and anew new Business &team Economic of economic inquiry, growth opportunities and team economic inquiry, growth opportunities and aanew team of KIBDC ch operates at an arms distance from CNCL to reduce the liability to the separate distance frompresented CNCL to reduce the liability to the Band and separate professionals presented areadiness readiness and need for astrategic strategic plan. In Band and Development professionals presented a and need for a plan. In rofessionals a readiness and need for a strategic plan. In A current ofeconomic economic Manager A current of economic (Corporation) A reduced current t of interest betweenWe business politics. WeKIBDC believemet liability canCNCL be to of CNCL usiness and politics. believeand liability can be further reduced to er 2021, the Economic Development team and aday day of further (Department offor TteS) revin 2021, the Economic Development team and KIBDC met for a of 2021, the Economic Development team and KIBDC met for a day of Gambler inquiryand andgrowth growth & Leasing Specialist ate governing board for KIBDC. inquiry and growth inquiry KIBDC. nLands mine its assets and explore, plan, and the future. With 4develop Project Coordinators toto mine its assets and explore, plan, and develop the future. With to mine its assets and explore, plan, and develop the future. With opportunities the department has developed astrategic strategic plan direct its actions, BDC have experienced astonishing growth in recent years. Aactions, lack of stabilityopportunities due to an opportunities the department has developed plan direct its actions, stonishing growth in recent years. A lack of stability dueits to an he department has developed aastrategic plan tototo direct Note: KIBDC Board is comprised of Chief & Council. pportunities, plan internal and external growth, and build meaningful staff (with business and economic development experience) and leadership forced the and newteam team Business & Economic 4 planinternal internaland andexternal externaland growth, andbuild build meaningful d|portunities, economic plan development experience) leadership forced the portunities, growth, and meaningful andaaanew new team and ent and overall infrastructure. o a reactive mode responding to CNCL priorities and increased inquiries. Development ntand andto overall infrastructure. nding CNCL priorities and increased inquiries. department, while KIBDC isof nt overall economic of economic nagement ledinfrastructure. economic business development aof development economic (Department of TteS) nomic inquiry, growth opportunities and a new team of development ED and KIBDC face increasing opportunities for business development tes atKIBDC an arms fromopportunities CNCL to reduce the liability to the Band and separate D and KIBDC face increasing opportunities for business development professionals pportunities and aincreasing new team of and face for business professionals professionals 4distance Project Coordinators ssionals presented a readiness and need for a strategic plan. In neral lack of developable industrial land in the Kamloops area, an rest between business and politics. We believe liability can bean furtherAreduced to CNCL diness and need for a strategic plan. Inin erallack lack developable industrial land inthe theKamloops Kamloops area, an eral ofofdevelopable industrial land area, current of economic presented A current of presented aaa 1, the Economic Development team and KIBDC met for aan day of economicpresented appetite for to work with the Band, and an increase ment team and KIBDC mettoto for a day of the rning board for KIBDC. appetite for reconciliation work with the Band, and increase is comprised ofreconciliation Chief & Council. ppetite for reconciliation work with Band, and an increase inquiry and growth readinessand andneed need inquiry and growth readiness its assets and explore, plan, and develop the future. With readiness and need le funding. The entities aim position as proactive, sustainable, e, plan, and develop the future. With eeine funding. The entities aim toto position as proactive, sustainable, funding. The entities aim to position as proactive, sustainable, experienced astonishing growth in recent years. A lack of stability due to an siness development department, while KIBDC is a development opportunities epartment has developed aits strategic plan to direct its actions, foraaastrategic strategicplan. plan. tional; where decision making, and communications are targeted, opportunities d a strategic plan to direct actions, for strategic plan. ional; where decision making, and communications are targeted, for onal; where decision making, and communications are targeted,

TIVE SUMMARY MARY Arrowhead Environmental Services Inc.

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Brush n Shine Boomers Buds Camille’s Horsemanship SUMMARY Complete Floors Ltd. Coyote Contracting Eltovar Management Farm “N” Stuff GY Ranch KDNA Little Fawn Nursery – Head Start Program Puss N Boots Daycare Sanctum Metals Inc. See More Creations Sk’elep Tree Experts Skyhawk Courier Smu’we7 (Cougar) Contracting Ltd. Sovereign Access Inc. (dba Pinnacle Access) Stewart MacMillan Resources Ltd. Sun Ridge Contracting Ltd. TG Ranch The Smoke Pit Yellowhead Enterprises

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2022

INDIGENOUSKAMLOOPS BUSINESS IN PROGRESS FOCUS KAMLOOPS PROGRESS CONNECT, INNOVATE & GROW

I

At Tk’emlups, food security has

n the last year, food sovereignty has come to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) community in many exciting, meaningful ways. Funding was received last year from the First Nations Health Authority to hire a summer Indigenous food sovereignty co-ordinator and an agricultural specialist to re-establish the vacant greenhouse and build a new greenhouse in the community. The goal of Indigenous food sovereignty at TteS is to maintain cultural and traditional land stewardship practices while exercising the right to determine how TteS will move food sovereignty initiatives forward, which in turn provide food security for current and future generations. “It is important that food sovereignty initiatives be communityled” said Nikki Fraser, a TteS band member and the summer Indigenous

food sovereignty co-ordinator who hosted a workshop on harvesting sxusem (soapberries) last summer. This is a practice that has been taught for generations in her family and she brought it to the community so other band members could benefit from the traditional learnings. “I learned really quick that harvesting, preparing and cleaning the red soapberries is a lot of work and I have a newfound appreciation and respect for those that share our traditional knowledge and give sxusem as gifts,” Fraser said. “It’s a jar of love and medicine”. She also initiated a good food box program that allows community members dealing with food security challenges to receive healthy nutritional food that is grown in the community greenhouse and purchased from Indigenous food growers. “We want Indigenous food

38 | Kamloops This Week PROGRESS 2022 2021

sovereignty to be grassroots and benefitting everyone in our community,” Fraser said.. George Casimir, general manager of Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations, said food security is important on so many levels. “It’s not just about how we grow our own food, but how we process it and how local production has a positive effect on our economy,” he said. Casimir and Community Futures have been involved in the local food security projects and planning and consider it to be an important element in the work they do to help create economic independence for individuals and businesses. Tk’emlúps Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir and council have been strong supporters for the recently developed three-year food security plan the regional Qwemtsín Health Society

has been working hard on — and the results are starting to pay off. Among many initiatives in the community, the society has focused on teaching children about food production with the creation of planter boxes at the school, where they tend to the plants and enjoy, literally, the fruits of their labour. The second part of the plan has been a berry walk, while the final part has been to implement programs for agricultural training in the community. As part of the applied sustainable ranching program at TRU, Elkstwécw ne tmicw (working together on the land) is a partnership between Skeetchetsn, Tk’emlúps and TRU. Students learn about regenerative agriculture and land management practices, with a focus on innovation and financial and environmental sustainability. Tuition is fully funded through BC


INDIGENOUS BUSINESS IN FOCUS KAMLOOPS PROGRESS

become a focus of the future

First Nation Secondary Partnerships. KÚkpi7 Casimir and Community Futures are also behind the recently announced mobile food-processing unit that is being implemented with Community Futures Central Interior First Nations’ Kweseltken Project. With a goal of supporting Indigenous food security and economic development, the project takes a mobile food-processing unit to the schools and other locations where food is being harvested, allowing for processing methods like canning, smoking and drying. The goal is to provide food-related education and economic development that contributes to cultural livelihood. With the help of the community champions and their partners, food sovereignty is taking hold at Tk’emlups te Secwépemc. “I would love to see our kids growing and picking the berries, then learning about canning and using the facilities in the mobile processing unit and then taking jars home to their parents,” Kúkpi7 Casimir said. — Tk’emlúps Business Office

Indigenous Owned Sun Ridge Contracting (SRC) is an Indigenous owned company whose owners Carrie Leonard and Cliff Loucks, born and raised in Kamloops and have been together for 41 years. Carrie is also a proud member of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc as are her children.

SRC’s capacity includes: Civil, Earthworks, Mine Service, & Forestry: earthworks, integrity digs, installation of underground pipework, road construction/maintenance, tailings dam raise & service maintenance, aggregate supply & haul with custom screening and crushing.

SRC is a heavy civil construction company and a major employer for indigenous people as well as welcoming diversity in our workplace and service delivery. SRC continues to actively support education and training programs for all of its employees as well as supporting others in and around our community.

CURRENT PROJECTS • New Gold/New Afton Mine • Trans Mountain Expansion Project • New Finning Facility on the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Lands

SRC has earned a reputation for excellence conducting business in the old-fashioned way based on the traditional values of honesty, integrity, hard work and community involvement. We have a skilled, reliable team who are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service with a focus on attention to the details. At SRC we are a seasoned team of professionals who have both technical expertise and many years of field experience.

Carrie and Cliff are well known for their generosity of giving back to the community and surrounding communities. Some of SRC’s yearly contributions are: Thompson Rivers University Aboriginal Trades and Technology Bursary, Howling Coyote Education Fund, BC Achievement Foundation, Kamloopa Pow Wow, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Kamloops Food Bank, Heavy Metal Rocks Program, Mustard Seed, Variety Club, etc. Two of Carrie’s passions are supporting her community funerals with her personally providing food, drinks, and donations, and providing food hampers during the Christmas season.

Our mission is maintaining our exceptional record of safety and standing behind our safety slogan “Work Safe, Home Safe”.

250.372.0417 | 1348 Kootenay Way, Kamloops www.sunridgecontracting.com Kamloops This Week PROGRESS 2022 2021 | 39


KAMLOOPS ABORIGINA 1972

To provide and promote culturally based, inc to enhance holistic well-being and pride

ALL OUR PROGRAMS AT THE KAMLOOPS ABORIGINAL FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY ARE FREE, CONF VISION STATEMENT: We are the premier agency offering culturally-based programs, services, and supports for urban Indigenous people in our community. MISSION STATEMENT: The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society provides culturally appropriate programs and inclusive services that meet the needs of urban Indigenous people to become healthier physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) has been providing services, and programs to the Kamloops and surrounding area to children, youth, adults, and elders since 1972.

inal ig r o b A s p o Kamlo Society ip h s d n ie r F

s e t a r b e l Ce s 50 year 2022 R

DECEMBE

ok on Facebo Follow us mloops t KAFS Ka a s te a d p u for

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society free and confidential programs and services: FAMILY PRESERVATION AND YOUTH SERVICES Our team consists of a Family Service Manager, a Team Leader/Family Support Worker, Family Preservation Worker, Indigenous Family Support Worker, Youth Worker, Outreach Support Worker, and a Child and Youth Care Worker. All of us workers in this program provide culturally appropriate services to children, youth, and their families. This team provides support services to Child Protection, Guardianship, Youth Services, Individual Counseling, Family Counseling, Family Court Advocacy, Crisis Intervention, and In-home and Office Visits. Funded by MCFD. EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Our team consists of Cultural ECE Family Support worker, ECE Worker, Outreach Support worker and a Nutritional Support Worker. These workers provide in-home and in-office support for families that have children aged 0-6 years. The ECD helps connect families that may feel alone and who have little support within their community. Funded by MCFD. HEALTHY BEGINNINGS PROGRAM Our Healthy Beginnings Worker will work directly with Indigenous and non- Indigenous families whose children are 0-6 years old living in conditions of risk to have improved health and social development. Services provided: Parent and Tot Play Group, prenatal and postnatal. Expecting moms and/or their partners may access prenatal information about pregnancy, labor and delivery, baby care, and postpartum care of Mom. Funded by ICS. FAMILY OUTREACH SUPPORT WORKER Our Outreach Support Worker is part of the Family Preservation and ECD teams and is unique and is geared towards increasing healthy birth outcomes, enhancing parenting skills and supporting child development. By working with the family, and community in a holistic approach we can help build strong and healthy families, by providing in-home support, through counseling that teaches parents appropriate parenting skills, and behavior management. Funded by MCFD.

125 PALM STREET, KAMLOOPS • 250.376.1296

INDIGENOUS FAMILY VIOLENCE WORKER Our Indigenous Family Violence Worker will work with Indigenous Woman and girls who are experiencing any type of family violence or fleeing an abusive relationship. The worker will help provide family violence counseling, educational workshops, and group sessions in a safe positive environment. Funded by the BCAAFC CHILDS ROOTS ARE FOREVER PROGRAM Our Roots Worker will work directly with Indigenous children and youth who are in care with the Ministry for Children and Family Development and Secwepemc Child & Family Services. This program ensures that each child in the Ministries care, are provided with a strong foundation based on their cultural, spiritual, mental, and emotional traditional teachings, while also supporting and encouraging the connection with their family, extended family and Indigenous community. MCFD Funded. ELDERS WELLNESS PROGRAM Our Elders Cultural Coordinator has a program for our Indigenous and non-Indigenous Elders who are 55 years plus. The Elders Coordinator continues to promote our Elders physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being and healing by having the elders join in workshops, arts and crafts, Cultural outings. Funded by BCAAFC. CULTURAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT #73 The Cultural Education Coordinator provides culturally appropriate services that promote and ensure positive educational experiences for students in School District #73. The following activities have been presented: Welcome Song, Drumming, Traditional Governance Past & Present, Story Telling, Residential Schools, Traditional Hunting, Community Roles, Drumming,

KAFS.CA


AL FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY

clusive programs, supports activities, e in Urban Aboriginal Peoples

FIDENTIAL AND PROVIDED IN A POSITIVE SAFE ENVIRONMENT Dream Catchers and Button Blankets, Medicine Pouches, Lanyards and Pine Needle Baskets, Rattle Making, Beaded Earrings/Keychains and Ribbon Skirts. The coordinator also participates in Aboriginal grad, National Indigenous Day and cultural events held at School through out District #73. Funded by SD#73. SUBSTANCE USE PROGRAM Our Addictions Worker provides Counselling Programs one-to-one or couples counseling for individuals who are seeking support and also provide information for recovering from an addiction. Services provided from our worker include counseling, referral to treatment centers, in-house referrals, information support and prevention. This program has assisted men, women, youth, and elders in their journey to sobriety. Funded by Interior Health. YOUTH CONFERENCE AND STUDENT BURSARIES This program is in partnership with TRU and the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Centre. The program provides an annual two-day youth leadership conference at TRU and provides cultural workshop for students to participate in for forty youth aged 16 to 24. Urban and rural Aboriginal youth in the TRU catchment area will be recommended by their schools and communities to attend. The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society will be presenting student bursaries presented again this year for Indigenous students graduating from grade 12 and who will be attending TRU. Funded by TRU. URBAN INDIGENOUS DIABETES AND OBESITY PROGRAM Our Community Research Liaison works with local community members, Health Care Providers, and knowledge keepers to provide Research and Health Education Training. This project is funded by the [CIHR] Canadian Institute of Health Research for a study to offer local

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Registered Charity No. 12995 5126

2021

The logo represents native and non-native people working together to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal people. The four feathers represent the colors of all the Nations from around the world.

Traditional and Western health approaches to urban settings for prevention and management of diabetes and unhealthy weight. Funded by UBC. INDIGENOUS OUTREACH SUPPORT WORKER We provide services to our Indigenous Homelessness population. Intakes, referrals AFFORDABLE RECREATIONAL COMMUNITY and trying to place them into affordable housing. HEALTH PROGRAM (ARCH) We also distribute harm reduction kits that are The program allows low-income families to available to everyone that continues to use. We participate in Kamloops Parks and Recreation provide gift cards, food supplies, limited cell Activities at a more affordable cost. Application phones and start up kits if the client is moving forms are now available at 125 Palm Street into housing. Funded by FNHA through the KAFS Receptionist. To apply, you need to show photo I.D for the applicant and birth certificates of all family members, a current utility bill for proof of address if your address is different then on your I.D. and all adult applicants must provide last years’ income tax assessment, if you’re on disability you will need a letter from the Ministry to prove income eligibility. Funded by Parks Recs Kamloops. OUTREACH SUPPORT WORKER KAFS Outreach Support Workers focus is the street entrenched population, the homeless and housing insecure. We provide services and supports, referrals, and help connect community members by connecting to them on the street and in shelters. Outreach workers assist community members to access shelter, food supports, mental health supports and to help clients navigate access to safe supply and/or addiction and recovery resources. Our Outreach support worker conducts VAT interviews for BC Housing and refers to organizations that supply housing and rental subsidies. Referrals are made to Mini Storage Site, Street nurses for medical needs and access to Opiate Alternatives (O.A.T.), BC Housing, ASK Wellness, Mustard Seed, Emerald House, John Howard, Interior Community Service, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Income Assistance, Interior Health, A Way Home Kamloops, Rapid Access clinic, Urban Native Health Clinic and LMO. Funded by Reaching Home City of Kamloops.

MINI STORAGE SITE Mini Storage is located at 48 West Victoria Street to service our homeless population and is open 7 days per week from 10:00am-5:00pm and closed on some statutory holidays. The storage site has a manager and 4 employees who attends to client’s needs. Clients may use this address for their mail. Clients can store up to 50 lbs. of their personal belongings which are put into a plastic bag and then into a storage bin. Other services available are laundry, showers, and access to public washrooms. Call (250)828-2555 for more information. Funded by the City of Kamloops. THE GATHERING PLACE The Gathering Place is located at 48 West Victoria Street in the parking lot next to Mini Storage, the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society and the Mustard Seed are in partnership to provide a culturally safe space for the homeless to have a place to socialize. We will be providing activities such as: movie nights, BBQ’s, pizza night’s, card games, ping pong, and arts and crafts. It will be open from April 1, 2022, to October 31, 2022, from 12:00pm-8:00pm Monday to Fridays closed on some statutory holidays. The site will be monitored by the Outreach Support Workers who will provide basic needs of support with access to cultural resources and community support services. Funded by the City of Kamloops.

125 PALM STREET, KAMLOOPS • 250.376.1296


BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT for Indigenous People Living in Central B.C.

HELPING YOU SUCCEED Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN) promotes community economic development support services to Indigenous people within the Central Interior of B.C.

This past year we have been involved in providing emergency loans, grants and business advisory services to our clients in their time of need, during the many obstacles of Covid, fire and flood.

Charla Johnstone & Gary Gelinas of Valley First Credit Union present a generous donation to General Manager of CFDC of CIFN, George Casimir for recovery support. Valley First and United Way donations equalled $70,000 of non-repayable business supports.

In 2021 we have adapted our training program with online tools to readily provide the resources needed for new and existing entrepreneurs. These above changes and adaptations have resulted in numerous success stories and have prevented loss and hardship to Indigenous businesses. We will continue to provide these services as we play our part in the provincial economic recovery plan.

OUR MISSION:

CFDC of CIFN proudly supports small to medium sized businesses with regular and capital loans and business training. We also assist Indigenous entrepreneurs to create their new business start-ups. We provide marketing expertise and our special focus is on youth, people with disabilities, and women in business.

Promoting regional economic growth through business development services and training by supporting Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs and remain linked to the overall economic, social, political and development of Indigenous people.

Our organization continued to grow through times of difficulty as we prioritize putting our clients first. Our team works tirelessly to provide our services quickly to ensure our client’s success. I find my position here at CDFC of CIFN to be the most rewarding experiences of my life. I work with and am supported by a great Board of Directors, staff and contractors. We enjoy working for the people, and helping them through these trying times. Our success shows. Going forward, we will continue to develop new programs and services to support the entrepreneurial spirit of Indigenous people. We wish everyone the best for this year and years to come. We wish you the best of health, success, and tenacity in the face of challenge. Kukwsts’etsemc (thank you all) George Casimir / GM

WHAT WE PROVIDE: PROGRAMMING & SERVICES BUSINESS RESOURCES

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SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

| FINANCIAL TRAINING & SERVICES

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BUSINESS LOANS

| PARTNERSHIP BUILDING


Le7 re púsmens-kucw n7élye te wewe7éc-kucw ne Extreme Excavating, elkstwécw-kucw méte Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. We Appreciate The Partnership That We Have With Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc

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ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR BC FIRST NATIONS

Extreme is dedicated to strengthening First Nation communities. We’re experts when it comes to replacing water mains, sanitary sewer lines, lift stations and building water treatment centers. We understand the value of employing and mentoring a local workforce that’ll complement our project team. Extreme takes a proactive approach to First Nation engagements. Our strategy is simple, recognize what we’ll both contribute towards the project and ensure we both understand what the agreement is expected to achieve.

Specialists In Civil Construction 755 Carrier Road www.extremeexcavating.ca

GET IN TOUCH WITH US 250-372-5454


2022

INDIGENOUSKAMLOOPS BUSINESS IN PROGRESS FOCUS KAMLOOPS PROGRESS CONNECT, INNOVATE & GROW

Looking forward with optimism Tk’émlúps continues its path to self-sustainability

C

al Bagshaw knows the key to a successful business is a solid plan, good people, excellent training and pride in the work being done. As manager of the second-busiest gas station in Kamloops, he has seen this successful business grow substantially since the franchise began. The Petro-Canada station is a one-stop shop for residents on the Tk’emlúps land and travellers on the busy stretch of the Yellowhead Highway. Featuring six lanes of gas pumps, a car wash, a convenience store, a Chester’s Fried Chicken outlet and the recent addition of wholesale lubricant sales, this band-owned business sees revenue sales in the range of $18 million per year, up from $13 million in 2016 when it won a 2016 B.C.

Aboriginal Business Award. “Our staff of 28 is 85 per cent First Nations and 70 per cent are local band members,” Bagshaw said. “We provide excellent training and our knowledgeable and friendly staff are the best at what they do. Working here allows them to build skills and experience and they are a real source of pride for other members who see how our operation works.” It’s not unusual to have lineups of cars waiting for service at the busy location that sees between 30,000 and vehicles pass by on an average day. “We make sure all of our equipment is working perfectly so those people who are making a point of coming here are not going to be disappointed,” Bagshaw said. “They know they can count on us.” Always looking to reinvest in the

We provide excellent “training and our

growth of the business and anticipate the consumer needs of the future, the station recently installed a third fuel storage tank to keep up with demand. Cal, chief and council and the KIB Utilities Corporation, which run the station, are examining evolving trends in the market by looking at installing EV fast charging stations. “The economic development group is a great team to work with,” Bagshaw said. “This business is successful because of the strong planning and business processes they have set up.” As a business owned by the band, the Petro-Canada and car wash is part of an ongoing plan by the economic development team to maintain a diverse and robust portfolio of revenue streams that will support members for generations to come. — Tk’emlúps Business Office

knowledgable and friendly staff are the best at what they do. Working here allows them to build skills and experience and they are a real source of pride for other members who see how our operation works.

— CAL BAGSHAW

AW 32 Hydraulic Oil

46

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Yellowhead Hwy Petro-Can – 560 Pow Wow Trail OPEN 6AM - 10PM • (250) 377-8684 44 | Kamloops This Week PROGRESS 2022 2021


INDIGENOUS BUSINESS IN FOCUS KAMLOOPS PROGRESS

The Tk’emlúps Petro-Canada gas station at Highway 5 and Shuswap Road is the second-busiest in the Kamloops area.

Healthy Families, Healthy Communities Proudly serving the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Skeetchestn Indian Band, and Whispering Pines Healthy Families, Healthy Communities Clinton Indian Band for 21 years. Proudly serving the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, The Q’wemtsín Health Society promotes Skeetchestn Indian Band, and Whispering Pines holistic health through provision Clinton Indian Band for 21 years. of programs, services, and education.

New Grocery Store Project - Summer 2023 Launch

The Q’wemtsín Health Society promotes holistic health through provision Find us on services, Facebook and education. of programs, qwemtsin.org 250.314.6732 Find us on Facebook qwemtsin.org 130 Chilcotin Road, Kamloops BC 250.314.6732 130 Chilcotin Road, Kamloops BC

WWW.VISIONQUESTBC.CA DEDICATED BUSINESS ADVISORS TO CANADA’S FIRST NATIONS

Kamloops This Week PROGRESS 2022 2021 | 45


Trusses You Can Trust. With a fair number of challenges such as fires, floods, increases in lumber prices, increasing lead times and of course COVID, Kamloops Truss has done their very best to have faced these head on. We’d like to thank you for continuing to make Kamloops Truss your supplier of engineered products, especially throughout the last year. Continuing with best business practices and incorporating new ones as we learn the volatile markets, we are suited to better serve you throughout the entirety of 2022.

Kamloops Truss has set many strategic goals for the 2022 year. We appreciate the importance of decreasing delivery lead times and have made updates to our logistics organization and procedures to increase our capacity and capabilities. If you have been putting off a project, challenged with lead times, or want to start building your dream home, we are here to accommodate your project needs.

(250) 374-3330 sales@kamloopstruss.ca 464 Chilcotin Rd. Kamloops, BC Trusses, Floors, LVL Beams, Glulam Beams, Engineering, Metal Roofing, Permit Layouts

To all of us at Kamloops Truss, this is about continuing to serve you, our clients, as best as possible with our new and exciting changes and growth. Though we know that this ever-changing market will have it’s challenges and demands, Kamloops Truss is confident and prepared for what may come this way. We look forward to a positive and successful year. As always, please reach out at any time should you have any questions or concerns regarding how we may be able to better support you and your projects in the future.


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