AGA 2021: Sector Chair Report

By Josie Fullarton,
Economic Investment Sector Chair

Kisʔuk kyukyit,

My, name is Josie Fullarton (née Luke), from Yaqan Nuʔkiy.

As the Chair of the Economic Investment Sector Council, I would like to first of all thank my fellow council members for their constant professionalism and dedication to strengthening and supporting our rapidly changing Ktunaxa economy.

The Economic Investment Sector, as all the sectors, underwent a yearlong Interim Director reassignment. As Don Sam had previously sat on the Economic Sector Council, it was great news when we learned that he would be the one to temporarily replace Justin Paterson. Justin became the Interim Social Sector Director.

As the director reassignment comes to a close, we are sad to learn that Justin Patterson will not be returning to the Economic Investment Sector but has chosen a new journey. We thank him for his knowledge and expertise that he brought with him and wish him all the best in his next chapter.

Don Sam will be returning to TKL and we want to acknowledge his time and expertise that is helping us to define what is Ktunaxa Economy?

During the Interim Director reassignment process, one determination was that the "Director" title will now become, Senior Manager. This is for the purpose of the KNCS Constitution and bylaws. So, we welcome our new Interim Economic Investment Senior Manager, Jason Andrew. We look forward to working with Jason and all the skill, knowledge and new insight that he brings with him.

Previously we were able to share the KtunaxaReady.com online business directory. It is a useful resource for Ktunaxa businesses. Here is a link to a video that they have developed that showcases some of our Ktunaxa businesses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY_nW42hvfk

With the challenges of Covid, growth continues to be front of our minds. We continue to explore opportunities for a stronger Ktunaxa presence throughout the territory while also continuing to work and collaborate with the communities through the Procurement Task Group, and other collective business opportunities.

I would also like to take the opportunity to remind citizens of the various supports for small business owners, budding entrepreneurs, or Ktunaxa artists, through the Kootenay Aboriginal Business Development Agency (KABDA). A wide variety of resources, including access to capital, are available through the sector and I would encourage anyone interested to connect with one of our staff.

Much work has been done with the Branding Initiative and hard work is happening with signage and information throughout locations in the Kootenays including the Columbia Valley and Fernie. It is wonderful to drive into Cranbrook and see the Ktunaxa flag flying proud.

A wide variety of resources, including access to capital, are available through the sector and I would encourage anyone interested to connect with one of our very knowledgeable staff.

Lastly, thank you to everyone across all sectors and all communities who worked together with us this last year, taking steps towards the self- sufficiency. We look forward to continued growth in the coming year!