Creating opportunities
The Ktunaxa Nation is a large player within the local economy
The initiative of a nation: Chief Sophie Pierre looks toward a future of economic independence for the communities of the Ktunaxa Nation. —photo by Jody Mendenhall
The Ktunaxa Nation makes a substantial contribution to the region’s economy through various business ventures. Chief Sophie Pierre, chair of the Ktunaxa Nation, made it clear that the communities within the nation desire economic growth and eventually economic independence.
“The overall goal is the establishment of an economy within our communities,” said Pierre. “Before the arrival of settlers to this region, the Ktunaxa were obviously a sustainable group of people or they never would have been able to last here for 10,000 years. We need to work towards getting back to that in a modern context.”
The slogan for the Ktunaxa Nation economy is “150 in 15,” meaning that the Ktunaxa are attempting to regain in 15 years what was lost in 150 as a result of colonization, residential schools and unjust legislation.
The Ktunaxa Nation Council, St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino, and the four communities of Akisqnuk, St. Mary’s, Tobacco Plains and Lower Kootenay combine to employ 440 people and have an operating budget of $31 million, with a capital budget of $1.2 million and salaries totalling $14 million. And the Ktunaxa Nation Council strongly believes in keeping that money within the region.
“Any investment that goes into either the First Nation individually or into the nation council itself—that investment stays here…in the East and West Kootenay, and that is absolutely important,” said Pierre.
Pierre added that all 440 employees are within the nation council, individual bands and their businesses. She is optimistic that with more business opportunities, more jobs could be created.
She compares the Ktunaxa Nation to a mom-and-pop business, but she sees the advantage in this.
“Like all mom-and-pops, it has meaning for us; it’s not just our livelihood, it’s our life,” said Pierre.
And like any mom-and-pop business, the Ktunaxa are eager to develop relationships with other local businesses.
Pierre noted that with recent political pushes, aboriginal people have had more business opportunities, which they are taking full advantage of. Building business relationships with industry and others is essential to changing outdated perspectives and increasing opportunities.
“I think that now that industry has worked with us for awhile…they realize that we are actually a very good partner to have,” said Pierre. “We’re conscientious, we’re enthusiastic, we’re efficient, we’re totally accountable.”
The Ktunaxa Kinbasket Development Corporation (KKDC) is the primary business implementation unit for the Ktunaxa Nation. The KKDC is currently experiencing substantial growth as it expands beyond forestry and resource management services. Its revenue has increased 300 per cent in the last two years and it is training employees in numerous fields and exploring new economic opportunities.
Pierre’s hope is that businesses in the Kootenays will view the Ktunaxa Nation as the valuable business resource that it is, offering people who are trained and ready and willing to do business.
Those interested in learning more about the Ktunaxa Nation’s business initiatives can contact the KKDC or the Ktunaxa Nation Council or visit the website, www.ktunaxa.org, which provides links to the many organizations associated with the Ktunaxa Nation Council.
Key Cranbrook contacts
Cranbrook, BC
The ultimate golf getaway
Located three minutes from the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook, B.C., Shadow Mountain is the region's newest golf community. When completed, Shadow Mountain will be home to a 19-hole championship golf course, practice academy, clubhouse, and approximately 550 residential lots and acreage properties. Owners will enjoy amazing views of the golf course, river and surrounding mountains.
With a course designed by Cooke Carleton International, one of the leading golf course architect firms in North America, Shadow Mountain will offer an exquisite golf experience for vacationers and avid players alike.
Cranbrook, BC
Explore the wonders at Island Lake Lodge
Secluded in the peaks of Canada's Kootenay Rockies, Island Lake Lodge and Spa sits on 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness, above a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by an old-growth forest.
Hiking trails begin at the doorstep of each lodge gaining you access to gentle walks and rocky mountain peaks. Our full-service mountain spa promises to relax and renew your senses. Acclaimed food and wine await you at the end of each day in our Ancient Timbers Dining Room.
This summer join us and experience British Columbia's ultimate retreat Island Lake Resort and Spa in the Rocky Mountains near Fernie, B.C.
Kimberley, BC
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies
Occupying more than 1,250 acres, Forest Crowne is the largest master planned community in the area, which is bordered by the 2,300-acre Kimberley Nature Park, Mark Creek, Kimberley Municipal Golf Course—and will have connections to the Kimberley Alpine Resort and to Nordic Ski trails.
We have single family lots (phase 3) available to purchase to build your own dream home. For those who want to buy a finished home, Eagles Nest Homes offers one- and two-storey cottages with steep roof pitches, long covered porches, multi-paned windows, old fashioned details and the genuine neighbourly feeling of communities past. Imagine single family homes for under $300,000!
Cranbrook, BC
Making beautiful home furnishings affordable
At Ashley Furniture Home Store, we make beautiful home furnishings affordable. Because the Ashley Team controls all processes from design to delivery, we are able to reduce our costs and pass these savings on to our customers as exclusive Ashley Furniture Home Store pricing. We are locally owned and operated, so we have better insight into the needs and preferences of our customers at the local level. Additionally, many of our stores actively participate in charitable events that promote the enrichment of their communities. Most significantly, we are committed to you, our customer, and want to ensure you have an excellent experience each time you visit us.
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Travel Plus
Kimberley, BC
Mountain life at its finest
This is undeniably the perfect moment to select a home without compromise, one from which you can revel in the experiences of mountain life and benefit from the growth to come.
Encounter a spirit that combines owning the only new ski-in/ski-out residences in Kimberley’s mountain village, with the sublime luxuries of a future world-class spa and spectacular restaurant. Mountain Spirit Resort is surrounded by majestic golf courses, skiing terrain, and 100 kilometres of multi-use trails at the 1,800-acre Kimberley Nature Park.
Until December 19, 2009, you can take advantage of our promotional offer and save up to $94,000 on select ski-in/ski-out residences.
Cranbrook, BC
Vitamins, bulk foods, healthy foods and more!
Nutter's has evolved into a truly unique food retailer, combining a commitment to the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle with exciting in-store merchandising.
At Nutter's, our trained staff are committed to ensuring you understand which products are appropriate for you, why you are buying them and how to use them once you get them home.
Once you understand your body and how certain conditions and medications can affect it, you can move forward confidently toward choosing products that upgrade and maintain your very best health.
Cranbrook, BC
The fastest Internet supplier
Shaw is the largest television supplier in Western Canada, owning and operating a modern, state-of-the-art plant and network infrastructure. Shaw has also rapidly become an industry leader in providing High-Speed Internet services, while being able to bundle High-Speed Internet with Digital Cable Television, High Definition Television and other entertainment services (Pay-Per-View movies and events, Video On Demand) into one package.
Cranbrook, BC
Home medical equipment specialists
Canadian owned MEDIChair is your best source for home medical equipment. MEDIchair is North America's largest and fastest growing home medical equipment franchise company with stores from coast to coast in Canada. For over 20 years, MEDIchair stores have provided a comprehensive selection of home health care products. We also offer a full range of home medical equipment such as bathroom and bathtub safety products, home accessibility solutions and soft/disposable personal health care products. MEDIchair prides itself on providing caring, knowledgeable and highly trained consultants committed to finding the right home health care product solution for each customer.
Cranbrook, BC
Get ready to take on the world
CGA-BC, the largest and fastest growing accounting body in the province, is responsible for training, certifying and upholding the professional standards of its students and members. The CGA Program of Professional Studies will provide you with the tools you need to achieve in accounting and finance management, no matter where your career takes you.
As you explore the CGA designation, one thing becomes clear: CGA is the designation the gives its students and members the greatest flexibility in its entry requirements, studies, work-life balance and career opportunities.
Cranbrook, BC
We're all about quality. We're all about you!
Located in the Kootenay Rocky Mountains of southeastern BC, College of the Rockies offers you lifestyle and learning opportunities to match our spectacular setting. At our college, you can study via the Internet, face-to-face instruction or both. We feature international scholarships, internship opportunities and practical work placement components to many of our programs. We cover a wide range of studies, including adult upgrading, health, business, trades, and information technology to name a few. Smaller class sizes, personalized instruction, up-to-date technology, great support services and professional, friendly staff who are dedicated to student success make the College of the Rockies the best place to live, learn and play!
Cranbrook, BC
Omicron: Total building solutions
At Omicron, we offer you total building solutions. We are architects, designers, engineers and builders—responsible for integrated design and construction services for businesses such as Boston Pizza in Cranbrook, B.C. We are one firm providing all the services and expertise needed to take a project from design through to construction. That's Omicron's Total Building Solutions approach. All our team members are focused on providing extra value for our clients through collaboration, consistency and creativity. The end result: successful projects which have considered the client's requirements from the word go. Cost savings as a result of smoothly integrated processes. Budgets contained and timelines met.
Cranbrook, BC
Canadian leader for industrial decommissioning services
Quantum Murray LP (QMLP) is a full-service decommissioning, environmental contractor and waste management company.
In 2007, Murray Demolition, Quantum Environmental and Thomson Metals and Disposal came together to create the strongest industrial services offering in the nation. Quantum Murray LP is able to offer our clients a diverse range of specialized services. Building strong partnerships in key areas allows us to take on complex projects. With offices across Canada and at times more than 700 employees, the Quantum Murray team seamlessly provides complete decommissioning, hazardous waste abatement and management, scrap metal salvage and investment recovery, environmental remediation and soil management and emergency response services to all market sectors.
Cranbrook, BC
Cummins: Providing the best in the diesel business.
Cummins Western Canada is the distributor for Cummins Inc. in Western Canada and we were recently recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. Cummins Inc. manufactures the world's best and most complete line of diesel engines. Cummins serves a wide variety of customers and we provide power for all types of vehicles and equipment, including heavy duty trucks, mining, oil and gas and logging equipment, generator sets, boats, buses, RVs and pick-up trucks.
Cummins Western Canada is dedicated to providing the best products, service and support in the business. Our staff continually strives to improve our service to customers, and keeps a relentless focus on quality and excellence.
Creston, BC
For business or pleasure, welcome to Creston
Creston is a town of approximately 5,000 people, located in the heart of the Kootenays. The town is nestled in an agricultural valley of rolling hills, fields and orchards, and is surrounded by the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges.
Creston winters are mild, and spring comes early to this rich valley. Kootenay Lake is right next door, and offers outstanding recreational opportunities.
The town is undergoing a five-year revitalization project that will make the downtown area more attractive and pedestrian-friendly. Creston is also proud to introduce the Community Futures program, the Chamber of Commerce and Creston Tourism, all in brand new locations.
Cranbrook, BC
Choose a career that fits who you are.
Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions of your life. The insurance industry is often overlooked by people planning a career path—but it shouldn't be. What are you good at? What are your ambitions? No matter what your answer, you may be surprised to learn that the insurance industry has a career path that could take you exactly where you want to go. Insurance affects virtually everything we do in life and in business. And because insurance is all around us, the industry has a wide variety of careers to match your ambitions.
Cranbrook, BC
Working together for life
The BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) is the largest provider of emergency health care in Canada. Our paramedics make meaningful contributions in their communities by providing timely, high-quality pre-hospital medical care in a patient's time of need. A career with the BC Ambulance Service is an exciting opportunity to be at the center of the action as a trusted and respected figure in your community. Joining the BCAS is not only a chance to be part of a highly skilled workforce, but is also an opportunity to provide a vital service and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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Cranbrook, BC
Real living for the really grown up
Golden Life Management provides innovative, attractive and comfortable seniors housing communities.
We aim to ensure that seniors of all ages and abilities enjoy a high standard of living and we know that their happiness requires a quality, purpose-built house and all the attributes that make it feel like home. We employ professional, compassionate and attentive staff to provide the care and services that help our residents live independently, safely and happily. We provide seniors with the security they need to enjoy their time, pursue their interests and maintain their relationships with loved ones.
We take pride in providing progressive, attractive housing for seniors, and peace of mind for their loved ones.
Golden Life Management 
Cranbrook, BC
Make it mediterranean
The Allegra restaurant makes Cranbrook proud with a relaxing atmosphere, and above all, top quality cuisine. Enjoy authentic Mediterranean dishes prepared by Swiss chef Thomas in his open kitchen, and allow our friendly staff to make you feel at home. We also cater events such as weddings, dinner parties, business luncheons and family events to name a few. Each dish is served with visual flair and meticulous attention to detail and quality, with a level of care that makes every service a culinary masterpiece. For a memorable fine dining experience, make Allegra your first choice.
Cranbrook, BC
Join us in building a nation!
As a nation, we are striving to achieve strong, healthy citizens and communities, speaking our languages and celebrating who we are and our history in our ancestral homelands, working together, managing our lands and resources, as a self-sufficient, self-governing nation.
Cranbrook, BC
We have all your financial needs covered
BDO Dunwoody is Canada's sixth largest accounting services and advisory firm. Our team serves a highly diverse clientele, which includes owner-managed businesses, large enterprises, mid-market public companies, community organizations, not-for-profit agencies and professional firms. From agriculture to real estate, technology to union pensions and aboriginal communities to municipalities, our professionals have the expertise to handle any business sector. BDO offers the full range of accounting services, including assurance and audit, taxation, business advisory such as financial and risk advisory and financial recovery services.
Cranbrook, BC
At The Bedroom Furniture Galleries, the customer comes first - and we mean it! We offer a 60 day home comfort guarantee on everything we sell. If your not completely happy with you purchase let us know and we'll be glad to find you something else or refund your money.
We are the Kootenay's La-Z-Boy Gallery so we have every style available with a cutting edge design center. with thousands of leather and fabric choices you'll find exactly what your looking for to customize your space.
Cranbrook, BC
An integrated construction company to meet your needs
BA Blacktop (Cranbrook), a proud Paving company of the Rockies, is searching for students to be part of our team for the 2010 operational season (spring and summer). It would include administrative positions. This constitutes a great opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the construction industry.
BA Blacktop is part of the Terus Construction Ltd. group of companies which owns operations all over British Columbia and the Yukon Territories. By joining our company, candidates will have access to excellent career perspective and rewarding challenges.
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-7146
Ostash Exterior Building Products Ltd.
Richmond, BC
PHONE: 1-800-663-2872
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-7205
B.A. Blacktop-
Castlegar, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-4056
Key City Drywall Ltd. -
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-5460
Dueck Enterprises -
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
(250) 417-5550
All Seasons Landscape Contracting -
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Vital statistics
- Population :: 19,161
- Number of businesses :: 1,454
- Supporting industries :: Forestry, public sector, mining, manufacturing, tourism, trade, transportation, service
Vital contacts
- City of Cranbrook :: www.cranbrook.ca
- Mayor :: Scott Manjak
- Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce :: www.cranbrookchamber.com
- Manager :: Karin Penner
- Phone :: 1.800.222.6174
Biz Blog :: Keith Powell
A regular report on newsworthy business developments in the Kootenays.
Kootenay Insights :: Tanya Laing Gahr
An inside look at the initiatives and developments that help shape Kootenay communities.
At Work :: Sandra Albers
One-on-one with some of the Kootenay’s business leaders.
Biz Edge :: Danielle Cameron
The faces behind Kootenay businesses.
