Founded over a decade ago by Kimberley Marion, Kica Contracting Ltd. has grown from a small catering operation into a leading provider of catering and janitorial services for mining and exploration camps in the Tahltan Nation’s traditional territory. Rooted in a commitment to Indigenous workforce development and community engagement, Kica has built a reputation for excellence while creating meaningful economic opportunities for the Tahltan Nation and other First Nations communities.
Marion’s vision for Kica was rooted in addressing the underrepresentation of Indigenous people in the catering industry. “When I started Kica, I saw a real need to create economic opportunities for our Tahltan Nation and other First Nations communities,” she says. “Today, I’m proud to say that 75 per cent of our staff are Indigenous, many from our own Nation.”
Growth and Expansion: A Business Built on Community Strength
What started as a modest operation in Dease Lake, BC, has evolved into a thriving company that manages six to eight camps at a time, serving up to 300 people in each camp.
“We’ve come a long way,” Marion reflects. “We now have over 100 employees, and we’ve maintained our commitment to Indigenous hiring. As we expand, we remain focused on ensuring that Kica is a place where people can build long-term careers, whether they’re seasoned Red Seal chefs or newcomers to the industry.”
The ability to scale operations without compromising quality has been a key achievement. “Our growth is a testament to the dedication of our team,” says Marion. “Every step forward is about more than just business—it’s about strengthening our community.”
Recognized Leadership in Indigenous Business
Kica Contracting’s impact has not gone unnoticed. The company was recently honored with the BC Achievement Indigenous Business Award, a recognition that Marion describes as both humbling and deeply meaningful.
“This award isn’t just about me,” says Marion. “It belongs to my husband Calvin, our three children, and our entire team. Their support has been essential in building Kica. It also validates our belief that business should be about more than profit—it should lift up the community.”
Beyond the accolades, Marion hopes the recognition will inspire the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs. “My message to them is simple: stay the course, believe in yourself, and keep pushing forward. If we can do it, so can you.”
Delivering Excellence in Catering and Janitorial Services
Kica’s reputation in the mining and exploration industry is built on its ability to provide reliable, high-quality services in remote environments.
“At the core of our success is our client-centered approach,” says Marion. “We don’t just provide meals and janitorial services—we create a home away from home for workers in some of the most challenging locations.”
A key differentiator for Kica is its hands-on management style. “I regularly visit our sites, making sure we’re delivering on our promises. It keeps me connected with our team and ensures we maintain the high standards our clients expect.”
The company also prioritizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, working with local food suppliers to enhance meal quality while remaining cost-effective. “We want every meal to be nutritious, delicious, and reflective of our culture,” says Marion. “And by sourcing locally, we support the Indigenous economy as well.”
Integrating Indigenous Values into Business Practices
Kica’s commitment to Indigenous values goes beyond employment numbers—it is embedded in every aspect of its operations.
“As a Tahltan-owned business, our culture is central to how we operate,” says Marion.. “We partner with First Nations-owned businesses, source traditional ingredients like salmon and moose meat, and host cultural celebration days with traditional meals and visits from elders.”
Mentorship and workforce development are also key priorities. The New Employee Mentorship Program pairs new hires with experienced staff, while the Kica Indigenous Manager In Training (KIMIT) Program provides leadership development opportunities for high-potential Indigenous employees. “These programs are about more than just skills,” Marion explains. “They ensure our leadership pipeline remains strong and that our values are carried forward as we grow.”
Strengthening the Tahltan Economy
Kica’s impact extends far beyond its own workforce. By prioritizing partnerships with Indigenous-owned suppliers, the company has created a ripple effect in the local economy.
“We source from local businesses like Charlie’s Shop for vehicle maintenance and Dease Lake Super for groceries,” says Marion. “We also work with Cedar Tree Communications for signage and media needs. Every dollar we spend locally strengthens the community.”
In addition, Kica is active in community initiatives, from donating meals to sponsoring local sports teams and supporting the Dease Lake Recreation Centre. “Our success should directly benefit our people,” Marion says. “That’s always been our philosophy.”
Over the years, Kica has built strong partnerships with leading mining and exploration companies operating in Tahltan territory.
“We’re currently providing catering and janitorial services for Galore Creek Mining Corporation at their Chyione and Uhtlan Camps, Teck Resources at Schaft Creek Camp, and Skeena Resources at Eskay Creek,” says Marion. “We also manage Bearpaw Camp for Newmont Resources.”
These projects have allowed Kica to refine its expertise in remote camp management while expanding its geographic reach. “Each partnership has helped us grow stronger and more capable,” she adds. “We’re grateful for the trust our clients place in us.”
Client Relationships
Maintaining strong client relationships is a cornerstone of Kica’s business strategy.
“Our approach is built on personal involvement and clear communication,” says Marion. “Calvin and I are hands-on and accessible, which is rare in our industry. I make regular site visits, not just to oversee operations but to engage directly with our clients.”
Kica also conducts regular client check-ins, including formal quarterly reviews and satisfaction surveys. “We want to make sure we’re always improving,” she says.
The company’s deep community ties add another layer of value for clients. “We bring cultural awareness and local expertise that others simply can’t match,” says Marion. “Our clients appreciate that we integrate Indigenous traditions into our work, whether through cultural events or our commitment to local hiring.”
With a strong foundation in place, Kica is looking to the future with ambitious goals.
“We plan to expand our capacity to manage more camps, creating even more job opportunities for Indigenous workers,” says Marion. “Workforce development will continue to be a major focus, as will strengthening our partnerships with First Nations-owned businesses.”
At the heart of it all, Kica remains committed to its mission: economic empowerment through excellence in service.
“We want to show that Indigenous-owned businesses can thrive while staying true to our values and traditions,” says Marion. “As we grow, so does our community. And that’s what Kica is all about.”
For more information, please visit www.kica.ca
