Business and Development

The Westbank First Nation Economic Development Commission is the first First Nation EDC in Canada. With a vision of being a healthy, business-oriented community that is economically self-sufficient, the EDC provides linkages between government, members, and businesses.

To ensure an increase in economic wealth for the community, and a sustainable increase in living standards that includes an increase in per capita income, the EDC also works to ensure opportunities exist for better education and health, as well as environmental protection and close connections to WFN's culture and traditions. Being more than just developing the reserves, the EDC also focuses on the Membership's voice and well-being.

Related Links EDC Charter EDC Strategic Plan Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission EDC Commissioner Application

Commissioners

Kelsey McLeod - Chairperson Kelsey is a member of Bigstone Cree Nation from Fort St John, and has worked as the First Nation Client Manager at Ecora Engineering, Kelowna, since 2015. With his over 23 years experience in land and resource management, in his role at Ecora, Kelsey has built relationships with the Lands Departments of over 45 First Nation communities. He has also worked as the Director of Lands for Halfway River First Nation, and as a private Land Agent in B.C. Kelsey has worked with all levels of government and stakeholders to help build capacity with in the communities that he is involved in.

Angie Derrickson - Vice-Chairperson Angie Derrickson is a proud Member of Westbank First Nation and has served as a representative on the WFN Allotment Commission and Public Art Committee. Angie is employed with the First Nation Land Management Resource Centre (FNLMRC) as the Manager of Training, Mentorship and Professional Development where she provides land governance support for First Nations across Canada. With a strong commitment to her community, Angie has participated in many governance initiatives and implementation activities of the WFN Self‐ Government Agreement, including community working groups, treaty negotiations, land acquisition, land code development, law development and land registry system. Her combined past experience includes 10 years as a Senior Lands Officer, 3 years as a BCAFN Policy Analyst, 4 years as a small business owner, and 7 years with the FNLMRC. Angie believes in the benefits of building strong relationships and encourages entrepreneurship to support economic diversity on WFN lands. Angie is honoured to serve and contribute towards the priorities of the EDC, while highlighting WFN’s unique land base, cultural values and governance structure.

Phoenix Prince Phoenix is passionate about culture and language including sweats, dancing, and selling her own beading and sewing for regalia, ribbon skirts, shirts and shawls. As a youthful, innovative, and culturally knowledgeable voice, and former barista at Kekuli Café, Phoenix takes pride in sharing with businesses and the public the unique art, culture and language which makes Westbank special. She is a WFN Member and Member of the WFN Youth Council.

Domenic Rampone Domenic works for West Manufacturing on WFN lands and holds a non-member seat on the EDC. He was born and raised in Kelowna, has 35 years experience as a Senior Accountant, and holds a diploma in Business Administration from Okanagan College. He is a member of the Italian Chamber of Commerce/Canada West, a member of the Agricultural Advisory Committee for the City of Kelowna, and previously served on the National Board of Directors for the Canadian Payroll Association, as well as the BC Fruit Growers Association. Dom enjoys supporting a number of business operations regionally, and has a passion to bring awareness to the world that WFN is open for business.

Jennifer Money Jennifer Money is a WFN Member and business owner/operator who is serving her second 3-year term as an EDC Commissioner. She is currently employed at UBC's Faculty of Medicine and has experience in strategic planning, organizational oversight, entrepreneurship, academia and Indigenous Health. She is also an appointed Director on behalf of WFN to the Greater Westside Board of Trade, deepening her understanding of public policy and processes through her involvement in its Advocacy and Policy Committee. She currently serves as a Board of Director for the First Nations Health Authority and has provided Indigenous leadership to the Central Okanagan Music Strategy, as well as UBCO's first-ever Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program. Jennifer has enjoyed a lengthy career in tourism and hospitality and has served as Events Coordinator and Volunteer for non-profits such as Kid's Help Phone, Kelowna Women's Shelter, and Ki-low-na Friendship Society. Jennifer enjoys attending Women in Business, Business After Hours, and tourism association events. She is currently enrolled in a Masters program focusing on Indigenous Medicine through UBC's Faculty of Medicine.

Lisa Pastro Lisa Pastro is a WFN Member and has served as WFN’s Business Process and Governance Analyst since 2018. She has over 15 years of governance and progressive management experience through previous roles held with Accenture Canada and BC Hydro. Throughout her professional career, Lisa has volunteered with many different First Nation communities in the Lower Mainland: providing members with training sessions focusing on resume building and interview skills. She is passionate about the power of education and the opportunities it can provide, and believes in empowering people through the provision of tools and skills to be successful both personally and professionally. She relocated to Westbank from the Lower Mainland and continues to look for meaningful ways to engage with the community. She is looking forward to the opportunity of serving the Membership and the community as a commissioner for the EDC.