Okanagan Nation’s Emerging Economic Driver The Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation will be the new emerging economic driver of the Okanagan Nation
Chris Scott, PIBDC Project Consultant
Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation (PIBDC) was formed to foster the development of a sustainable economy for the Penticton Indian Band. PIBDC is the “for profit” business investment and development division of the Penticton Indian Band and is the umbrella organization that holds the corporate business investments; it is responsible for the overall management of the band’s business portfolio. Our values are deeply rooted in the traditional qualities of our community and provide meaningful employment opportunities for our people. Incorporated in 2007, PIBDC now oversees three limited partnerships: Westhills Aggregate LP, Coyote Cruises LP and Sn’pink’tn Forestry LP. With a focus on profits and business sustainability, we have also started a new major project called Arrowleaf- “The Land Speaks” and the results ultimately lead to successful job creation, training opportunities and wealth generation for the Penticton Indian Band. Coyote Cruises
destinations in the Okanagan Valley, attracting tourist groups from around the globe. Westhills Aggregates
Established in 1992, Westhills Aggregates specializes in construction sand and gravel services, with an emphasis on – and a complete selection of – crushing (cracked rocks) and screening (naturally round rocks) construction aggregate. In addition, to trucking and delivering construction products for customers, Westhills Aggregates also employs excavation equipment that allows for both small and large construction jobs, including road maintenance, site preparation, excavation, snow removal and plowing, water line installations and septic system installations. Sn’pink’tn Forestry LP
April Gabriel, PIBDC Communications 8 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012
Solely owned and operated by the Penticton Indian Band since 2005, Coyote Cruises is the South Okanagan’s hottest summer attraction. Coyote Cruises provides tube rentals and transportation along Penticton’s River Channel, located between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. In the summer months, Coyote Cruises serves in excess of 100,000 people per year and has remained one of the greatest tourist
Out of the 46,000 acres of land owned by the Penticton Indian Band, approximately one half of the land base is under forest cover. Officially created in July 2009, the Penticton Indian Band Forestry Department, operating as Sn’pink’tn Forestry LP, manages the forest resource on IR#1, IR#2 and IR#3A.