About Us

Pioneering Sustainable Economic Prosperity and Skills Development

Our Story

Founded in 2014, K’awat’si Economic Development LP (KEDC) embodies the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations’ vision of sustainable economic growth. Our mission is to create and support ventures that yield not just revenue, but cultural significance and environmental sustainability. KEDC’s commitment extends beyond business profitability; we focus on enriching our community with essential skills and comprehensive development, fostering a legacy of prosperity aligned with our traditional values.

Our Logo

Symbolism Embedded in Our Logo

The K’awat’si Economic Development LP logo is a testament to our rich heritage. Central to the design is the traditional painted bentwood box (k̓awat̕si), an enduring symbol of our community’s treasured heritage. It holds the Copper, a revered emblem representing wealth, prestige, and power among the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw people. Encircling and protecting these symbols is the Sisiutl, a powerful crest in Kwakwaka’wakw mythology, embodying protection and strength. This logo is not just an emblem; it’s a narrative of our history, values, and the unyielding spirit of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations.

Our Values

Integrity, Diversity, Community Inclusion, Environmental Stewardship, Respect for Indigenous Culture and Traditions, Indigenous Empowerment

At the heart of K’awat’si Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) are core values that are integral to our identity and operations. We champion integrity by steadfastly adhering to honesty and strong moral principles. Diversity is woven into our fabric, as we embrace varied cultures, perspectives, and ideas, fostering an inclusive community where every member can engage and benefit from our initiatives. KEDC is committed to environmental stewardship, safeguarding our planet through sustainable practices. Central to our ethos is a profound respect for Indigenous culture and traditions, which guides our mission to empower Indigenous peoples. These principles are the foundation of KEDC’s enduring commitment to positive, sustainable impact, deeply rooted in the heritage of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations.

Historical and Cultural Significance of k̓awat̕si

In 2014 the Nation held meetings with their Elders and language speakers to find a name for this new company.  The desire was to give the company a name that was in their own Bak̓wa̱mk̓ala language, and represented the vision for this company.

The bestowing of a name is itself, a significant cultural honour.  Names are part of a family’s collective Gildas (“Treasure Box”).  The Gildas refers to all the cultural treasures a family owns and which is overseen by the Gig̱a̱me’ (Chief) of the family, advised by his Elders.  These treasures include songs, dances, crests, names, and more.  They represent the cultural wealth the family acquired when their First Ancestor came from one of the other worlds, such as the Undersea or the World Above, and became human and founded his ‘na̱mima̱ (“Clan”).  It also includes the treasures that the family obtained through marriages or other means.

Names are not made up.  They are family treasures that are passed from generation to generation.  Names are not just for people, but can belong to treasured animals, and items that mainstream society may view as inanimate objects, such as canoes, coppers and houses.  They represent the role and spirit of that original supernatural being or item being passed on to a new generation.  These rights are continually renewed as names are passed on through the generations.

The selection of a name for a company that was to be part of undoing the harm done to the community was serious business and a great deal of time was taken to select the right name.

The name Ḵ̓awats̓i was selected finally to represent the vision and spirt of the work of the new company.  It was also the sharing of an important family treasure.

The name was agreed upon by the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation Elders, including Sally Nolie, a direct descendant of the Chief whose family primarily owned the Guḵwdzi (“Bighouse”) that had this name.  This was agreed to by other Elders and Chiefs involved in the process.

Bighouse (Guḵwdzi)

The Great House (Guḵwdzi) of the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw was a home to the Chief and his extended families, as well as where ceremonies, feasts and potlatches were held.

These large communal dwellings were the property of chiefs, many of them with supernatural origins, such as those built by the first ancestors of various tribes.  The large house poles and cross beams often were carved with the crests of the owners, and some also had specific paintings that could be applied to the fronts of the houses.

It was not uncommon for the rights to own and build such a house to form part of the dowry of particularly noble daughters of high-ranking chiefs when married to other chiefs, or their heirs, as well as retained by those transferring them.

KEDC is located on the traditional territories of the
Kwakiutl people and Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations.

Our Team

Our executives bring a diverse array of expertise across all business lines, united by a shared commitment to sustainable growth and community empowerment. They are not just leaders in their fields but also dedicated stewards of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw heritage, ensuring that every business decision aligns with our deep-rooted values and strategic vision.

Photo of KEDC's CEO - Cyrus Singh Smiling.

Cyrus Singh

CEO
HR Director Jorawar Brah

Jorawar Brah

Director of Human Resources

Albert Blackford

General Manager, K’awat’si Fisheries

David Steele

General Manager, Gwanak Resources

Gordon Black

Director, Consulting & Management Services

Eddie Walkus

General Manager, K’awat’si Marine

Peter Jansen

General Manager, K’awat’si Construction Company

Robert Hodson

General Manager, Kwa’lilas Hotel

Norman Napoleon

Director, Community Engagement

Careers with KEDC

Interested in Joining Our Team? View our current Career Opportunities

Board of Directors

Roop Virk

Roop brings to KEDC over two decades of senior expertise in banking, project financing, and international trade.

Roop brings to KEDC over two decades of senior expertise in banking, project financing, and international trade. His advisory roles with prominent timber mills and port corporations, along with his experience in exporting commodities across the Pacific Rim, have significantly contributed to the success of BC First Nations–Corporate Business Joint Ventures. His strategic advisory to governmental officials and businesses in economic trade reflects his profound knowledge and commitment to fostering Indigenous community partnerships.

Board of Directors

Janet Hanuse

A member of both the Gwa’sala-‘Nak’waxda’xw and ‘Wuikinukv Nations, Janet Hanuse’s leadership flourishes from a deep-seated passion for program accessibility and community empowerment.

A member of both the Gwa’sala-‘Nak’waxda’xw and ‘Wuikinukv Nations, Janet Hanuse’s leadership flourishes from a deep-seated passion for program accessibility and community empowerment. Her work, deeply influenced by the resilience of her parents, residential school survivors, is a tribute to past, present, and future Indigenous generations. As the Vice President for Engagement and UNDRIP Implementation at the Royal BC Museum, Janet’s academic achievements and imminent Master’s degree in Executive Leadership from Royal Roads University propel her to drive authentic reconciliation and Indigenous rights advocacy.

Board of Directors

Lisa (Elizabeth) Swain

From the Walkus family of the Gwa’Sala-Nakwaxda’xw Nations, Lisa Swain brings heartfelt dedication to the KEDC Board of Directors.

From the Walkus family of the Gwa’Sala-Nakwaxda’xw Nations, Lisa Swain brings heartfelt dedication to the KEDC Board of Directors. Armed with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and practical experience at Mid Island Co-op, Lisa’s acumen in financials bolsters KEDC’s economic strategies. Despite personal loss, her resolve remains unshaken, channeling her love for numbers into fruitful endeavors for the Gwa’Sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nation’s prosperity.

Board of Directors

Norman Galis

With over thirteen years of teaching experience, Norman continues to grow his knowledge in the field of Indigenous Economic Development and believes in the vision of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation.

Norman is a member of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations.  On his grandfather’s side, he comes from the ‘Nakwaxda’xw Tamtamłal’s ‘Nami’ma (“The Earth Shakers”).  Norman is a hereditary Chief and the current Chairman of the Board of Directors for the K’awat’si Economic Development LP (KEDC).  He joined the Board of Directors in 2019.

With over thirteen years of teaching experience, Norman continues to grow his knowledge in the field of Indigenous Economic Development and believes in the vision of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation.

Pack the Pantry

Join us for a day of community and compassion at the KEDC Pack the Pantry Community BBQ. Come hungry, bring your giving spirit, and don’t forget to bring along a bag filled with non-perishable goods. Together, we’ll create a positive impact in our local community.

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Lisa Swain

Back to board of directors