EDITOR’S LETTER This month’s cover story features Sqéwqel Development Corporation (SqDC), the economic arm of the Seabird Island Band. Located in Fraser River, 3km east of Agassiz in British Columbia, SqDC creates opportunities to empower members through sustainable employment, business development, financial well-being, and independence through the lens of Stó:lō culture, traditions, and values. Indigenous communities play a huge role in Canada’s economy and will continue to do so— Canada’s Indigenous economy has the potential to grow from $32 billion to $100 billion in the next five years. Developed in 2014, SqDC relies on the pillars of Economy, Employment, and the Environment to strengthen its foundation building the economy of Seabird Island to empower members to become self-sufficient and self-reliant. This issue also features some of Canada’s largest infrastructure projects, community centres, and a special Executive Profile on Ms. Annette Verschuren, one of Canada’s most successful business executives. We hope you enjoy this issue. The BEC Team 3 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTE4MTQ=