A Chase enterprise has won a BC Aboriginal Business Award, to be presented Oct. 15 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Winning in the Joint Venture Business of the Year category for Outstanding Achievement is Secwepemc Camps and Catering from Chase.
The website for Secwepemc Camps and Catering explains that McElhanney Engineering Services Ltd. and Sexqeltkemc Limited Partnership (SLP) finalized a memorandum of understanding on Jan. 11, 2013, agreeing to work together on projects within the traditional territory of the Sexqeltkemc te Secwepemc – Lakes Division.
The Lakes Division is represented by three bands: Splatsin, Adams Lake and Neskonlith.
The website notes that the agreement was the first step in developing a working relationship between McElhanney and Sexqeltkemc to get extensive involvement in the many opportunities being considered on SLP’s Traditional Territories including significant highway upgrades, mines and other development projects. The agreement also follows McElhanney’s desire to find meaningful ways to partner with local indigenous communities, businesses and individuals to promote economic benefits for both parties.
“Entrepreneurial spirit is alive and growing in British Columbia’s aboriginal communities,” said Premier Christy Clark when the awards were announced Sept. 10. “The success of our aboriginal entrepreneurs plays a crucial role in strengthening First Nations communities and our whole economy. The 6th annual Aboriginal Business Achievement Awards are a great opportunity to honour their achievements.”
The BC Aboriginal Business Awards were launched in 2008 to honour and celebrate business excellence in six categories. A total of 16 aboriginal businesses, entrepreneurs, joint ventures and community-owned enterprises will be recognized.
The BC Aboriginal Business Awards are presented by the BC Achievement Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and sponsor support.
The BC Achievement Foundation is an independent foundation established and endowed in 2003 by the Province of British Columbia to celebrate community services, arts, humanities and enterprise.
