Toronto, ON – July 22, 2020 – Today, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and Sodexo reveal Ntityix Development LP as the recipient of the 2020 Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation award.  

Ntityix Development Corporation is the general partner that manages the corporate division of Westbank First Nation. It exists to serve the social, cultural, and economic interests of the community.  

“On behalf of the entire NDC team, the NDC Board of Directors, Chief Chris Derickson and WFN Council, we wish to thank the CCAB for this award,” said Ntityix Development Corporation CEO, Ryan Malcolm. “The CCAB AEDC Award validates the tremendous work done not just over our last fiscal year but most importantly by recognizing each WFN Member that has been involved with WFN corporate economic development over the past several decades. This award celebrates and recognizes their entrepreneurial spirit, their dedication, their fight, their determination, and their relentless hard work to shape NDC into what it is today. limlemt.” 

The Okanagan word ntityix represents Chief Spring Salmon as part of the legend of the four food chiefs. This food chief represents economy, hard work, sacrifice, perseverance, sustainability, progression, and providing for current and future generations. The salmon in the Ntityix logo depicts swimming against the current while working together in trade. 

The corporate division of Westbank First Nation (formerly Westbank Indian Band) began in 1973 with the formation of Westbank Indian Band Development Company. Today, the corporation manages multiple divisions including 59,000 hectares of forest tenure, a construction division responsible for the majority of the WFN community core institutional buildings and residential housing needs for band members, two shopping centre partnerships, and a retail gift store. 

The award will be presented on September 16th at CCAB’s Business Recovery Forum, a live virtual conference and unique experience to discover innovative ways to network, collaborate and exchange ideas to rebuild business and prosper in this new reality and uncertain economy.  

“CCAB is proud to celebrate the success of Ntityix Development Corporation,” said Tabatha Bull, president and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. “Ntityix demonstrates that when we align hard work with our values and a clear vision for the future, we can have a major impact on our communities for generations.” 

“We congratulate Ntityix Development Corporation for all of their success,” said Erwin Joosten, Senior Vice President Energy and Resources, Sodexo Canada. “In operation for nearly fifty years, they have used their success to elevate their community and create a clear path toward economic prosperity for decades to come.”  

About Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB)

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) is committed to the full participation of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s economy. A national, non-partisan association, with a mission to promote, strengthen and enhance a prosperous Indigenous economy through the fostering of business relationships, opportunities, and awareness.  CCAB offers knowledge, resources and programs to its members to foster economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples and businesses across Canada. For more information visit www.ccab.com. 

For media enquiries, contact:  

Amanda Charles 
Communications Associate 
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business 
acharles@ccab.com | cell: 647-289-2753  

Antoine Lorent 
Senior Director, Business Development & Aboriginal Relations 
Directeur senior développement des affaires & relations autochtones 
Antoine.lorent@sodexo.com

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