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

Lori Ann Swite, Chairperson Lori Ann, a WFN Member as well as WFN’s Superintendent of Property Management since 2007, is knowledgeable in commercial and residential lease management including non-profit housing programs and construction. Lori Ann takes pride in delivering modern high-quality products and watching the community transform into a flourishing, independent and sustainable leader among First Nations.

James Carmichael, Vice-Chairperson

James lives on WFN lands, is a realtor with Royal LePage, and has a passion to assist economic growth and social well-being, including through mentoring and the fostering of new technologies. James has over 20 years of experience in real estate investments, construction, residential and commercial renovations, restoration rebuilds, property management and general contracting in both Canada and the USA.

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.

Angie Derrickson 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. 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.

Kelsey McLeod

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.