Economic Investment Sector

By Jason Andrew, Director, KNC Economic Investment Sector

The Economic Summit was held on March 2 and 3 and was attended by approximately 50 Ktunaxanin̓tik.

The Economic & Investment Sector was able to host Ktunaxa Leadership as well as Economic Development staff from Ktunaxa communities, to gain a better understanding of how the Sector can support community needs and priorities.

The Economic Summit also included presentations from Ktunaxa Entrepreneurs who shared their business experience with Ktunaxanin̓tik.

The Economic & Investment Sector would like to thank Faro Burgoyne and Emily, from Ravens Nest Resort and Campground, Bonnie Harvey, from Fry Bread for Fun$, and Mike Nicholas, from Pro-Active Safety & First Aid! Your business experience presentations have inspired us all, congratulations on all your success!

[Click on the title above to see the poster up-close.]

Enjoy camaraderie and be inspired at this free Zoom event.

Highlights include presentations by Ktunaxa entrepreneurs and a keynote presentation from author and thought-leader Carol Anne Hilton.

Every participant will be gifted a copy of Hilton's book Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table.

Please email Alexis.Martig@ktunaxa.org to receive the Zoom link and other key info.

Please watch this video then review the Q&A.

https://ktunaxahakqyit.org/economic-investment-sector/widgets/84145/videos/8092

Q: What is Community Connectivity?

A: This is a Ktunaxa Nation Council initiative that has been in the making for over 20yrs - FREE internet for all Ktunaxa Citizens.

Q: There is no such thing as free, what do we have to pay?

A: All Ktunaxa citizens and Band offices have the option of having free internet provided by the Ktunaxa Nation Council (Economic and Investment Sector). The KNC can purchase bulk Nation pricing/wholesale internet from CBT and supply all communities (via FlexiNet) with free internet at no cost to you!

Q: When can we have this free Internet?

A: We will be organizing a system to record everyone that wants to be part of this amazing initiative.

Once we have total numbers we can figure out a roll out plan for each community.

Mid 2022 is definitely possible to start connecting.

Q: I want FREE internet what do I do next.

A: Review who supplies your internet currently, you may be in a contract for a period of time. You might not be able to have free internet until that ends, but we can double check. Your local Band office will have a form for you to fill out with a few questions, name, address, who supplies your current internet, contract date expiry etc.

Q: I don’t live on reserve, I live off reserve do I get free internet as well?

A: Phase 1 will be to connect all Ktunaxa Citizens on reserve and Band offices with free internet (if they want it), then Phase 2 we will examine how to support the Ktunaxa Citizens living off reserve.

Q: Who will be supplying the internet?

A: FlexiNet will be the internet service provider (ISP) with the purchase of ‘wholesale internet’ from CBT.

Q: Will the speeds be faster than what I have now? Because my internet is poor!

A: For most, if not all homes in the communities – Yes!

To homes we will be able to provide 50mb download speeds which is fast enough for multiple devices to stream games and Netflix all at the same time!

Q: What if I don’t have fiber optics to my home at the moment? Can I still have free internet?

A: Yes, if you house is on a Ktunaxa reserve and you don’t have fiber we can get you free internet via radio dishes, once fiber optics are connected that technology will replace the dishes.

Any other questions you might have, please email shane.stewart@ktunaxa.org.

By Don Sam
Economic Investment Sector Interim Director
(Senior Manager)

Sector Council Acknowledgement

Chair – Josie Fullarton

Joe Pierre

Heidi Gravelle

Allan Nicholas

Kiʔsuk kyukyit Q̓api niskiⱡ.

Hu sukiⱡ qukni ʔat kin ȼinkapaⱡtapni.

Nawsanmiyitki, huȼ xaⱡ hiȼxan niⱡqu

August of last year, I was directed to develop a plan for leading the Economic Sector. I wrote a plan on how I envisioned I might boost the sector, small gifts that I could give to Justin and the sector. The following are key points and some excerpts from that plan, which will lead to what the Economic Staff is working on.

Introduction of Ktunaxa Culture into the sector: In the context of Economic Development, my focus was to identify 21^st century Ktunaxa Cultural values. Values we hold from the teaching of our ancestors, that are seen and used in businesses today. It is important that we can all be proud of our businesses and know “Ktunaxa businesses compete on strengths, not entitlements. This would be the direction and emphasis placed on the Ktunaxa Branding initiative”. Through and through, our reputation should be on Ktunaxa strengths.

Identification of the pressing Issues and develop plans to alleviate barriers to business. “…advocating for Indigenous businesses, I believe the sector has the people to identify, both internal and external, barriers to business. Jurisdiction, Business licensing and Financing.” There are instances of systemic racism, or policy gaps, that prevent people from participating in the economy, we have to point them out so we can change them.

I planned that we would talk about taxation and get better understandings of how governments work and how our business work. “…I know taxation is a bad word for many, and so what should our expectations be for funding a vital pillar of our government, the whole of government.” Some businesses would voluntarily participate in supporting Ktunaxa Government.

Governance development and roles of government were to be explored “What are our resources and to what purpose are they best suited? And then what is the Economic Sectors role in this?”

Economic Development includes wealth management decisions. “the Economic Sector should offer guidance or advise on (spending) allocations to support Nation wealth.” And we need the capacity to offer this.

I envisioned that “…we need a consistent way of measuring the value of land and resources for any Environmental Assessments or IMBA or government agreement that we work on.”. This lends to the term Natural Capital. How much is a tree worth to cut up to 2x4s versus leaving in place for a nest, or a squirrel? We should think about these value when we are involved in Land Management decisions.

People- where are Ktunaxa people? What are graduation rates, what are their aptitudes, what are the demographics of the Kootenays as a whole, what businesses would Leadership want to attract to our homelands?

As you can see Economic Development is much more than Business Development, and wealth creation is more than money management. Our economy includes the “maximization of utility of resources” but must be connected with decision making based on what is best for the people. Ktunaxa as a whole.

I felt prepared for the Director Reassignment because I graduated from Gonzaga University with an MBA which has prepared me academically and emphasis in leadership; I am a former Economic Sector rep from when I was on Council for ʔa·kisq̓nuk so I knew the work the sector was involved in. But the challenge was to infuse cultural concepts into the work we do in economic development, bridging two worlds.

At the first meeting with the Economic Sector staff, I asked them to consider through our time together: “Economic Development is more than ‘maximization or Utility of Resources’ (a phrase taught in first year economics); what is your role? and How does what you do affect the quality of Life for Ktunaxa Citizens?”. This has been a guiding concept throughout the year, a reminder for the staff in everything they do. Leading to questioning such as “who are the Ktunaxa Citizens?, How do we connect better, and the obvious, how do we increase/improve communications?

The “Ktunaxa Indigenous Business Certification” is a major project we initiated. Utilizing the KNC policy Development Framework, we have been engaging on “what is a Ktunaxa Business”. An engagement process whereby we are listening and articulating the words of the Nation into Ktunaxa Government Policy. We have broached the question- What are the Ktunaxa Cultural attributes that represent what we know to be an Indigenous Business. These do not include wearing buckskin, but so far do include ideas around Family/work life balance, commitment to community members, accountability to others, reciprocity, share in opportunities, etc. The plan is to set the expectations for our businesses and our entrepreneurs to satisfy, while assuring a fair playing field for Businesses.

The Ktunaxa Regional Branding Initiative is already making sure tourism operators and businesses in the territory know who the Ktunaxa are, so they can help in supporting indigenous presence throughout the territory.

When COVID came along it made it difficult for the sector to assess risk on micro-loans. With Sector Council Direction, we have reinitiated the Micro-Loan program to support entrepreneurs access to finances and coaching to become “Bankable”, that is to say, they can go to any bank confidently knowing they are prepared.

Collaborative business opportunities were presented to the various businesses of the Nation (entrepreneurs/ community corporations/ KHLP). Major projects like BC Hydro substations were presented so the Nation could put forward collaborative proposals. Not KNC, but the Ktunaxa Nation business entities. KNC is able to create the opportunities and our capacity is within the entities within the communities and our entrepreneurs.

The Sector council has had a number of discussions around MOUs. These tools have been used as a passive revenue generator for sectors and communities. Unchecked, it has been leading to an environment where communities, individuals and businesses are all competing in unfair conditions, and setting up haves and have nots. We have set the expectations that we will establish a process for KNC to regulate this activity. To some, this is considered as a tax, and we should be applying in a fair manner for all Ktunaxa. And some question where this authority rests, KNC or each individual community. However, one thing is certain, left uncoordinated, we risk having multiple rules and uncertainty, reducing industry desire to work with Ktunaxa businesses.

Elements of Economic Development

A model was shared that illustrates the source of our economic opportunity comes from ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa; guided by good governance by each member Band and coordinated by a responsive collective we are able to assert our jurisdiction and thereby creating opportunities. The opportunities exist because of who we are and where we come from but having opportunities alone is not enough, our Nation must also create capacity to exploit those opportunities.

In introducing this model to the structure of our sector, we provide definition to the roles of all the staff, clear roles with multiple overlaps or touchpoints to know how we can work together collaborating on various projects. I hope leadership appreciate seeing economic sector roles of Government because to move forward, we must be strategic and set ourselves up to succeed.

The FY 21/22 budget was presented with untouched surplus revenues, waiting for strategic direction and initiatives from the sector council to develop allocations. This money remains sitting until a strategic direction from leadership can direct priorities of Economic Development. The staff have been able to offer their ideas. Currently we have interest to develop an Economic Development Fund Program to invest in the growth of the Ktunaxa economy with Leadership at the helm, this will require strong political support if we are to offer a collective initiative.

The KNC has been criticized for taking the roles of leadership, instead of taking direction from Leadership; while staff are concerned that it is difficult to get Leadership to make a decision. We committed to being sensitive to this matter within the Economic sector; a sector council redeployment concept. In November, strategic planning for the sector was scheduled which was to be followed by developing sector work plan and budget. We were not able to complete the Strategic Planning session, this was due to multiple circumstances, including funerals, Covid-19, KNC Mini-pause, conflicting Schedules, Leadership themselves went through some major consultations on KNEC and Economic Development itself requires a lot of trust and effort from all parties; we just were unable to complete an Economic Sector strategic plan. We worked with Dr. Stan Chung over multiple sessions, progressing each time, however through the term of the reassignment, a strategic plan has not been formalized for the sector.

Our current work plan was developed based in large part, on last years work plan with no major changes. After all, with all the changes, working from home due to a major global pandemic, and being shaken by a reassignment of KNC directors (Sr. Managers), It was a good opportunity to further refine what we have been progressing on with the new director and perspective.

A major project that we were not able to do but is still in the planning, is an Economic Summit where we can bring together people and introduce more topics on what is economic development, what are expectations and how can we move forward.

An economic Development Fund is another project that did not get finalized but is in the works. This fund would receive revenue earned from various business partnerships, establish procedures for people to apply for funding, and it would allow leadership to prioritize projects that they believe would provide the best utility for the people.

I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to listening. I hope that I have been able to increase your understanding of the Economic Development and Investment Sector. Each of the staff are working on a number of specific projects and I encourage you to touch base with them if you are interested in learning more.

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!

Economic and Investment Sector Council

Josie Fullarton – Yaqa·n Nuʔkiy (Sector Council Chair)

Heidi Gravelle – Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʾit

Joe Pierre –ʔaq̓am

Allan Nicholas - ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation

Economic and Investment Sector Staff

**Donald Sam, Interim Director of Economics and Investment Sector: dsam@ktunaxa.org

** Jason Andrew will be the new interim Economic Investment Senior Manager starting October 1^st 2021.

Alexis Martig, Manager, Strategic Initiatives: Alexis.Martig@ktunaxa.org

Janice Alpine, Business Development Officer/Tourism Engagement: jalpine@kabda.org

Jose Galdamez, Procurement and Business Development: jgaldamez@ktunaxa.org

Marion Eunson, Industry Engagement Officer: meunson@ktunaxa.org

Shane Stewart, Business Development Officer: shane.stewart@ktunaxa.org

Shawna Vokey, Administrative Assistant: Shawna.Vokey@ktunaxa.org

What is a Ktunaxa Business?

Watch introductory video HERE.

For detailed information please visit: Ktunaxa Business Certification Website

By Donald Sam,
Interim Sector Director (Senior Manager)

Indigenous Business Certification

The Ktunaxa Economic and Investment Sector is currently working on a policy to implement an Indigenous Business Certification policy.

This initiative results from requests from the community's Economic Development Officers and CEOs for more clarity and fairness in the award of contracts for Ktunaxa businesses, starting from a definition of “What is a Ktunaxa Business?”

In order to do so, the sector plans to organize consultations with Ktunaxa businesses, communities and citizens to better understand their needs and how they answer the question “What is a Ktunaxa Business?”

This project has been developed by Tanis Richmond and Jose R. Galdamez from the Economic Sector, and will be carried on by Alexis Martig who is replacing Tanis Richmond during her maternity leave.

This project aims to:

a) Ensure that the competition between Ktunaxa businesses is based on fairness, transparency and results in the improvement of the well-being of the Ktunaxa citizens, communities and Nation;

b) Ensure that the definition of a Ktunaxa Business is coming from, and controlled by, the Ktunaxa Nation and not from external institutions as the B.C. government or even third parties such as industry.

The objective is to implement this policy in 2021.

By Donald Sam,
Interim Sector Director (Senior Manager)

The Ktunaxa Economic Investment Sector (KEIS) micro-lending program started back up in May, 2021 after being on a pause due to Covid-19.

The micro-lending program is here to support those Ktunaxa citizens, entrepreneurs and businesses that require up to $10,000 to assist in starting or growing a business.

We had a number of Ktunaxa businesses that reached out whilst the program was on pause.

If you are interested in knowing more about this micro-loan please reach out to Janice Alpine or Shane Stewart, business development officers

Janice: jalpine@kabda.org

Shane: shane.stewart@ktunaxa.org

By Donald Sam,
Interim Sector Director (Senior Manager)

We have been delivering many presentations on the Ktunaxa Ready Online Directory, presentations to all the industries such as Fortis BC, BC Hydro, Teck, Columbia Power, Steel River Solutions, Kicking Horse Canyon Constructors, TC Energy and many more.

These presentations are to showcase the Ktunaxa businesses and entrepreneurs, showing these industries that the Ktunaxa are a large part of the local economy and do have the knowledge and capacity to undertake work on their projects.

Working with TC Energy, we figured out a solution to an extremely sensitive project: Replacing all the old Trans Canada signage for the new TC Energy signs.

TCE needed a project coordinator that could employ Indigenous people from each community that the signs needed to be replaced. A Ktunaxa business was awarded the delicate project.

Projects upcoming in the next 12 months that we have been showcasing all the Ktunaxa Businesses to include:

• Fortis BC - IGU -2020-2023
• BC Hydro - 2021-2024 Natal substation
• Steel River Solutions – 2020-2023 Fortis IGU
• Kicking Horse Canyon Constructors –2021-2024- Kicking Horse road twinning
• Canfor - Firewood opportunity for Ktunaxa entrepreneurs and possibly a trucking opportunity.

By Donald Sam,
Interim Sector Director (Senior Manager)

With files from Janice Alpine,
Business Development Officer / Tourism Engagement

The Ktunaxa Nation Council has become a member of the following Chambers of Commerce through the Economic and Investment Sector to gain recognition in the business sector:

• Cranbrook
• Nelson
• Trail
• Castlegar
• Creston
• Fernie
• Invermere
• Kimberley
• Golden

The Ktunaxa Regional Branding Initiative (KRBI) has made monumental strides since its inception in 2017.

The KRBI process includes the Ktunaxa in promoting the Kootenay region to the world.

Partnerships have developed with tour operators, provincial and municipal parks, regional districts, Columbia River Treaty Heritage Project and destination marketing organizations to enhance the knowledge of the Ktunaxa through interpretive signage, website and visitors-guide methods.

Marketing the Kootenay region has increased collaboration with regional business service providers, including Community Futures East Kootenay, Cranbrook Tourism, Kootenay Rockies Tourism and Destination BC.

Working with the City of Cranbrook and regional business operators and organizations to partner in initiatives that support the Ktunaxa. One demonstration of collaboration is the City was the raising of the Ktunaxa flag on June 21, 2021, to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples Day and herald cooperation between the Nation and the City.

Learn more about KNC and City of Cranbrook's government-to-government partnership by reading this feature story in Kootenay Business Magazine.