Economy, Employment, and the Environment. These are the pillars Sqéwqel Development Corporation (SqDC) uses to strengthen its foundation building the economy of Seabird Island to empower members.
Nestled on the banks of the Fraser River, 3km east of Agassiz in British Columbia you will find Seabird Island, a First Nation community rich in cultural tradition and natural splendor with a little over one thousand Stó:lō people calling it home.
Seabird Island Band (SIB) is the band government that promotes a healthier, self-sufficient, self-governing, unified, and educated community, while SqDC acts as the economic arm of Seabird Island Band to create a sustainable, diverse, and healthy economy.
SqDC was developed in 2014 to create opportunities to empower members through sustainable employment, business development, financial well-being, and independence while respecting the Stó:lō culture, traditions, and values. SqDC operates with integrity and respect for the land and culture. “SqDC has brought a great sense of pride for the community,” says Paul Andrew, SIB Council member for Economic Development and SqDC board member.
Seabird Island Business Park
The Seabird Island Business Park is one of many aspiring projects SqDC and SIB are developing to benefit the community economically. Sprawling over many acres and inspired by the spectacular natural attributes and the upper Fraser River Valley environment, this progressive and innovative Business Park has Highway access, CP Rail frontage and is located about 25 km east of Chilliwack in British Columbia. The Business Park will provide various opportunities for economic business ventures while respecting residents, the river environment, and the surrounding areas. The development will be built to high professional standards and set a benchmark for more sustainable industrial development in the region.
“The Business Park encourages resource conservation, energy efficiency, recycling, and innovative use of building materials, water, energy materials, waste, and by-products. The Seabird Island Business Park will become a source of community pride, creating an economical and sustainable business venture,” says Andrew.
Nations Creations
Another business venture SqDC took on is Nations Creations. SIB bought Nations Creations in 2020, and it has grown significantly. This is where Indigenous culture and art meet, providing a platform for Indigenous artists to showcase their work. Furthermore, Nations Creations also offers the manufacturing and production of corporate clothing, uniforms, and various promotional products. The talented team of Nations Creations is client-centric and offers curated products and graphic design services that fit the needs of its clients whether it is laser etching and engraving, UV printing, embroidery, sublimation, or vinyl transfer.
Sqéwqel Gas Bar
The new, revamped Sqéwqel Gas Bar opened in 2015 and has been servicing Seabird Island and surrounding communities 30 years. You can get fuel, convenience and household items, loyalty programs, commercial card locks, EV fast chargers, and Indigenous artwork unique to the local community at Sqéwqel Gas Bar.
Stqó:ya Construction
Stqó:ya Construction is a majority-owned Indigenous construction company formed in 2012 through a unique collaboration between SIB and Jake’s Construction. This partnership allows for connecting the vast potential of the Indigenous workforce with the immense industrial opportunities within Seabird Island’s traditional territories and throughout British Columbia. Stqó:ya Construction employs experienced, dedicated tradespeople who share their commitment to project success through effective management, quality workmanship, and unwavering focus on client satisfaction. “It means something for our community when we’re able to work with our community. We provide 70 construction jobs directly with pipeline work that provide good paying jobs for people who can work throughout the region, and it gives them a great sense of pride,” says Andrew.
Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative (YEI)
With the SIB population growing rapidly, many young people will enter the workforce in years to come. It is paramount for SqDC to invest in programs to raise awareness and educate the youth about entrepreneurship to increase sustainable growth and shared prosperity within the community. In 2022 the first Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative was held, and this year will be even bigger and better. “The youth is our future, and we need to invest in them to ensure they have the knowledge and tools to create a bright future for themselves,” Don Clarke, Director of Operations at SqDC, said.
According to Andrew, the focus should be on economic development when supporting Indigenous communities. Indigenous communities play a huge role in Canada’s economy and will continue to do so. “We rely on understanding the triple bottom line, being Economy, Employment, and the Environment. We are looking at the seven-generation model, which means we look to our past, present, and future generations. We are always seeking joint ventures with partners who are closely aligned to our vision and understanding this triple-bottom-line.”
For more information, visit www.sqewqel.ca
