The WFN Economic Development Commission consists of three business minded WFN Members and two well-regarded advisors. The EDC goals are business attraction, business retention and facilitation and a comprehensive Strategic Plan had been developed to increase the awareness of the economic development opportunities at WFN.
The EDC Meets every 3rd Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and partake in an annual Strategic Planning Session.
Click here to view the WFN Community Economic Development Plan
Click here to view the 2008 (Updated in 2010) WFN Economic Development Profile
For any additional information please contact:
Jayne Fosbery Economic Development Manager T 250 769 2402 F 250 769 2443 jfosbery@wfn.ca
EDC Strategic Plan EDC Charter
has extensive expertise and experience in Land Management and Acquisitions working with First Nations through-out BC. Through her past employment with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and BC Hydro, she has gained a great appreciation for the diversities of many First Nation communities in achieving successes in economic growth. As a member of the Self Government Working Group she was able to share this expertise and continues to participate in community discussions that are the drivers for the future. She has two grown boys and returned to IR # 10 where she was raised, now enjoying her new home with her husband and dogs. ellingboed@telus.net
JAMES COBLE
is of Okanagan descent, born and raised as a member of the Westbank First Nation community. His education includes a Bachelor of Education and Master of Arts degree from the University of Victoria. Currently, he works for Okanagan College as the manager of the Aboriginal Access and Services Division. He lives in Kelowna with his wife and has an interest in sustainable, eco-friendly development.
is a partner in BC General Contracting Inc., a company that he and his brother started in 2001. The company is becoming well known for large project management and land developments with 20+ employees including some community members. His post secondary studies included electronics, computer administration, and programming. He previously worked for the WFN Utilities as the Utilities Administrator, with a level one operator’s certification. Cain lives on IR #9 with his wife and 2 children and is a strong community supporter. crd@cain.ca
is a lawyer and the principal of Porrelli Law, a firm located on the reserve of the Westbank First Nation. He was born and raised and received his Law Degree in Calgary. He grew up in a rather impoverished area and counted many aboriginals and Métis as friends. He moved to Westbank in 1993 and has developed an expertise in native land development throughout the province. He was recently spotlighted in National Lawyer Magazine for his accomplishments in this area and is a frequent speaker on this subject. He has been involved in most every recent major commercial native development on the Westside and has a great interest in WFN Economic Development.
CEO of Kelowna-based Troika Ventures began holding and managing single-family properties in 1998 at 23. In 2001, she founded what is now Troika Ventures to include construction and development, followed by a millwork company, Rise and Run, together employing nearly 100 people. One of Troika's projects, West Harbour, is located on IR #10. In 2007, Wasylyk was a finalist for the Sarah Donalda Treadgold Memorial Award for Woman of the Year in Kelowna and Kelowna's Business Excellence Award. Troika Developments has won six Tommie awards from the Kelowna CHBA.
is the Economic Development Manager for Westbank First Nation. Her formal education comes from a diverse background from Business Administration to Local Government Administration as well as a certificate in Community Economic Development. She joined Westbank First Nation in 2000, working in several areas gaining experience in First Nation Government while volunteering in the drafting process of the Westbank First Nation Constitution. She is married with 3 young adult children and lives on IR #9. jfosbery@wfn.ca