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.

Brianna Wilson - Youth Brianna, a WFN Member, was appointed to the Youth Seat of the Economic Development Commission in October 2016 and will serve a three-year term. Brianna brings creativity and eagerness to the commission and believes that by understanding the world around us, we find better ways to interact with each other and learn more from social collaboration. Brianna is a welcome addition to the EDC.

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. Lenora Posella-Holding - Elder Lenora is a WFN Member and occupies the Elder seat on WFN's EDC. Lenora has served on past WFN Committees & Boards; including participating in the signing of WFN’s historic self-government agreement in Ottawa. She can often can be found providing opening prayers and greetings at many public events, including Remembrance Day, and various ground-breakings and ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Lenora is a proud, active and respected Elder in the WFN community.

Jennifer Money Jennifer Money is a WFN Member and business owner/operator who has enjoyed a lengthy career in tourism and hospitality. She is the founder and President of the Okanagan Indigenous Music and Arts Society and has also served as Events Coordinator and Volunteer for other non-profits such as Kid's Help Phone, Kelowna Women's Shelter and Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society.  Jennifer has a passion for health and wellness and is currently enrolled in a Masters program focusing on Indigenous Medicine through UBC's Faculty of Medicine.  She is excited to foster community development that increases sustainability, meets the diverse needs of the present community and anticipates the health and well-being of future generations.

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.