Creating opportunities
The Ktunaxa Nation is a large player within the local economy
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 Building business relationships with industry and others is essential to changing outdated perspectives and increasing opportunities.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(http://www.ktunaxa.org)":http://www.ktunaxa.org, which provides links to the many organizations associated with the Ktunaxa Nation Council.
Key Cranbrook contacts
Cranbrook, BC
A global leader in the production and sale of hard coking coal
Our company is a global leader in the production and sale of hard coking coal...a relatively uncommon mineral that is essential in the production of steel. With six mines in two Canadian provinces, more than 3,000 employees and a business focused on supplying world steel producers, our company is strongly positioned in a very competitive market.
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.
Cranbrook, BC
Acreage lots for sale
Mountain Shores Acreage Estates is located on the east shore of Kootenay Lake, 45 minutes from Creston. The lots offer beautiful views of Kootenay Lake set against snow-capped mountains. We offer access to fishing, golfing, hiking and water-skiing. We are a short drive from the championship 18-hole Kokanee Springs Golf Resort at Crawford Bay and there are spectacular golf courses close by. Build your cottage or dream home at Mountain Shores and enjoy making memories in your own piece of paradise.
Mountain Shores Development Corporation
Cranbrook, BC
We help people hear clearly again
More and more people under the age of 60 are finding themselves with some loss of hearing. The sooner a person is diagnosed, the sooner the effects of hearing loss can be controlled. While past generations have suffered in silence (literally), this no longer needs to be the case.
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Cranbrook, BC
We pride ourselves on quality parts, service and products.
At Rocky Mountain Diesel, we pride ourselves on making quality repairs to all makes of trucks and trailers. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains we know the tough conditions that your truck is put through every day. As a Western Star Trucks dealer we are committed to providing our customers with the latest in diagnostic equipment and highly trained technicians. Our up-to-date facility can accommodate even the longest configurations. The trucks you operate are a big investment, and we want to help your company be successful. Call or stop by and see for yourself why we have been keeping trucks like yours on the road for over 20 years.
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.
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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.
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.
Cranbrook, BC
Ingredients for life
Canada Safeway focuses on providing world class service to customers by exceeding their expectations. The development of Safeway's "Lifestyle" stores is a critical strategy that sets Safeway stores apart. Lifestyle stores are designed for busy customers who want to find everything in one place, great selection, knowledgeable staff, specialty items, and ready-to-eat meals. Visit your local Safeway for ingredients for life.
Cranbrook, 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.
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Cranbrook, BC
Real living for the really grown up
Golden Life Management provides innovative, attractive and comfortable seniors housing communities.
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Richmond, BC
PHONE: 1-800-663-2872
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 417-6565 or (250) 417-7218
East Kootenay Paving
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-7205
B.A. Blacktop
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-7205
B.A. Blacktop 
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-5352
Highpoint Plumbing & Heating Ltd. -
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-5460
Dueck Enterprises -
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) 489-1123
The New Pro-Fitness Gym -
Castlegar, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-3808
Dacota Freight Service Ltd. -
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.
