Leadership Update
Message from The Board
Building Our Future Together
Chair, Craig Tuton
Vice Chair, Kynan McIntyre
There is tremendous work happening across our organization as we continue to strengthen the economic future of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.
On the energy front, DDDC remains actively engaged in advancing strategic opportunities that position us to participate meaningfully in projects that support long-term sustainability, revenue generation, and economic sovereignty. These efforts require careful planning, strong partnerships, and steady leadership — and we are proud of the progress being made.
We are also nearing completion of the Winter Crossing multi-housing project, an important milestone that will deliver much-needed housing and reflect our commitment to building for future generations. In addition, work continues steadily on the TKC construction project, C9, alongside several other initiatives that are underway or in development. Each project plays a role in strengthening the economic profile of the Ta’an people and creating opportunity for TKC citizens.
None of this progress would be possible without the dedication, professionalism, and hard work of our employees and management team. Their commitment to excellence, long hours, and belief in our shared vision are what turn plans into reality. Together, we are building momentum — and more importantly, we are building a strong and sustainable future for TKC.
Leadership Update
Message from The CEO
This marks our first quarterly report to Ta’an Kwäch’än Council as Shareholder. It reflects our commitment to providing clear, consistent updates on the projects we are advancing and the work underway across DDDC. Transparency and accountability are essential as we continue building your confidence in the Corporation and the direction we are taking.
DDDC is entering a new phase of growth. With that comes strategic change — strengthening our structure, refining our focus, and positioning the Corporation for long-term success. These shifts are designed to reinforce our mandate: to generate sustainable wealth and opportunity for TKC citizens.
I want to sincerely thank our team for their dedication and professionalism throughout this transition. Their steady leadership and hard work ensure we continue delivering results while preparing for what’s next. We are laying the groundwork for significant opportunities ahead. The foundation is strong — and the next chapter is underway. Big things are coming.
CEO, Ben Asquith
DDDC Staff completed Transforming Lateral Violence: Level 1 Foundations - August 2025
Governance Update
Key Highlights:
• Continue development of Board of Directors Policy Manual 73% complete with estimated completion before March 31, 2026.
• Successfully held 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting and approved the 2024/2025 audited financial statements.
Summary: Governance team focused on finalizing the Board Governance Policy Manual, held the AGM with the Shareholder, and approved the audited financial statements.
Looking Ahead:
In Q1, the team will prioritize reviewing the Strategic Plan, supporting the Board through its annual review, and working closely with the executive team to develop a budget for the annual stakeholder engagement plan, while advancing priority initiatives and key announcements.
(Left to right) Board Members Bengie Cletheroe and Shawna Tizya with Vice President of External Relations & Corporate Secretary, Tiffany Eckert-Maret accepting the award presented to DDDC for "2025 Indigenomics Top 10 to Watch"
Financial Update
Total Revenue (8000000)
Net Income (800000)
Total Assets (49700000) (8MM) (.8MM) (49.7MM)
Human Resource Update
Key Highlights
• Standardized job descriptions and recruitment processes to improve clarity and fairness
• Strengthened onboarding practices and employee documentation systems
• Provided ongoing employee relations support with a focus on respectful and responsive communication
• Supported staff training and professional development opportunities
• Began implementing improved HR tracking tools and internal processes to support leadership
Summary: Over the past few months since stepping into this role, HR efforts have focused on strengthening foundational systems to support organizational growth. This has included standardizing job descriptions and recruitment processes, improving onboarding and employee documentation, supporting training and professional development, and providing ongoing employee relations support.
Work has also been underway to enhance internal HR processes and tracking tools to better support leadership decision-making and ensure consistency, fairness, and alignment with DDDC values. Overall, these efforts are helping move HR toward a more structured, sustainable, and supportive function for both employees and management.
Looking Ahead:
We will continue to enhance HR systems, tools, and workforce planning to support performance, growth, and role clarity, while maintaining a strong, people-centered approach aligned with organizational values.
Some DDDC team members with our $10,000 donation to the Yukoners Cancer Care Fund
Marketing Update
Key Highlights:
• Promoted citizen-focused events and seasonal initiatives, including Halloween activities at River Bend and the TKC Citizen “10 Days of Christmas” on-line campaign, increasing awareness and participation with 122 likes on the draw posts.
• Completed and distributed the 2025 Annual Report across digital channels to improve transparency and access to corporate and community updates.
• Increased regular website and social media communications to give citizens more timely information on events, programs, and announcements.
• Supported multiple department initiatives by creating branded materials, posts and outreach content to keep messaging clear and consistent.
Summary: During the quarter, Marketing & Communications focused on strengthening communication and engagement with TKC Citizens through promoting events, sharing regular updates, and distributing major publications, with a focus on making information clear and easy to find.
Looking Ahead:
Next quarter, the team will work with the Community Engagement Committee to strengthen citizen communication by improving communication channels, increasing content consistency, and driving engagement around upcoming events and programs. Key deliverables will also include improvements to the publication of the Quarterly Report to Chief and Council.
Winter Crossing Update
Winter Crossing is DDDC’s seven-building, 105-unit, affordable rental housing project located in the heart of Whitehorse’s growing Whistle Bend neighbourhood. It is directly across from the new Whistle Bend Elementary School, and adjacent to the Whistle Bend Continuing Care Facility.
Schedule
Construction is on schedule to have all units completed and occupied by spring of 2027. The first buildings will be completed and ready for move-in by the summer of 2026, with additional buildings coming on line throughout the fall and winter.
Budget
With approved change orders, the project budget currently sits at $37.5MM. The project is currently on budget and has billed $16.5MM, or 44% of total contract.
Funding
TBL has worked with DDDC, CMHC funders, and BTY quantity surveyors to ensure efficient processing of monthly draw requests.
Subcontractors
TKC subcontractors have been a significant part of the project including the following companies:
• CMAC Electric
• Profeit Contracting
Little Rivers Construction
• TBL Developments (51% DDDC-owned)
Yukon First Nation contractors:
• Northern Construction
• North Yukon Plumbing and Heating
• OCA Builders
Winter Crossing Update
Property Management Update
Summary: During the quarter, the Property Management team focused on maintaining stable and responsive operations across the real estate portfolio while continuing to strengthen internal systems that support tenant relations, regulatory compliance, maintenance coordination, and service delivery. Efforts were directed toward improving operational consistency, supporting community needs, and ensuring properties were well prepared for seasonal demands and ongoing service expectations, while advancing operational planning to support the onboarding of an additional 105 units at the Winter Crossing development.
Looking Ahead:
Next quarter will focus on refining internal processes, supporting staffing needs, and advancing occupancy for vacant and new units and capital planning initiatives.
Key Highlights:
• Maintain high occupancy across River Bend and TKC-managed units through coordinated move-ins, move-outs, and ongoing tenant support.
• Implemented seasonal winter readiness activities, including snow clearing coordination and general building safety oversight.
• Continued improvements to tenant file organization, digital systems, and maintenance tracking processes.
• Completed required fire alarm inspections across managed assets.
Fun in the Sun River Bend Event
Business Development Update
Summary: This quarter focused on maintaining strong revenue performance while advancing strategic projects in energy and la development. Work continues to position TKC for greater ownership in infrastructure, strong partnerships, and long-term economic sustainability.
Looking Ahead:
We will focus on advancing negotiations for the thermal energy project, progressing C-30B project, and continuing to advance DDDC's role as the long-term economic driver for TKC.
Key Highlights
• Revenue remained ahead of forecast, supported by the North60 partnership and new business opportunities
• Progress continued for C-30B development, including completion of an updated development and business plan and ongoing coordination with YG, YESAB, and the City of Whitehorse. We are currently reviewing a project proposal from Yukon First Nation contractor
• Advancing early-stage work on a 4.99 MW thermal energy pilot project. We are currently working on a term sheet with Generations Energy and developing MOU's with YEC and YDC
• Relationship-building efforts expanded through meetings at AME Roundup with potential new partners and participation at the Arctic Circle Assembly, where DDDC's work was shared internationally and opportunities for Arctic business partnership were explored
Investment and Partnership
Summary - DDDC has continued to advance the Yukon First Nations economic development mandate through strategic operations, infrastructure ownership, and diversified investments. Activities across all entities remained aligned with Board-approved strategy with DDDC taking a leading role in large partnership Investments.
Yukon First Nation Wildfire LP
DDDC is one of founding 8 partners to form Yukon First Nation Wildfire. While DDDC does not have a role on the board, we continue to offer support to the team. The mission of YFNW “is to provide mentorship, training, and job experiences to as many Yukon First Nation youth as possible. To Train and foster elite-level First Nations Wildland Firefighters and Emergency Management professionals. To grow our services across Canada including training and mentorship of future leaders”.
The Warrior program is designed for younger future leaders who will learn an array of essential skills such as first aid, computer skills and interview techniques. The next program will be kicking off Feb 23.
Yukon First Nations Teleco LP
DDDC is the lead in advancing this incredible purchase of Northwestel. Thirteen Yukon First Nations are part of YFNTLP and we will work to advance ownership on Indigenous-owned telecommunications infrastructure. YFNTLP is one of the 3 partners that form Sixty North Unity. Recently, the Sixty North Unity team engaged with the Major Projects Office to advance our inclusion on the MPO project list.
Yukon First Nations Energy LP
Yukon First Nations Energy LP evaluates energy and transmission opportunities that will impact all of Yukon. YFNEKP is focused on creating long-term revenue stability and energy security, especially as Yukon is in an energy crisis. YFNELP engages with partners and governments to advance strategic ownership objectives. Projects remain aligned with broader infrastructure and sovereignty priorities.
Investment and Partnership
Yukon First Nations Investments LP
DDDC is one of eight partners in YFNILP, which invests through a venture capital fund with Panache Ventures. This investment represents the first entry of Yukon First Nations into venture capital. Since the initial investment in 2019, the portfolio maintained stable performance.
Yukon First Nation Air Leasing LP
Eight Yukon First Nation Development Corporations came together to form YFN Air Leasing LP (YFNALLP), now the owner of four aircraft operated in partnership with Alkan Air. This collaboration secured a $157 million, 10-year contract through a competitive public procurement process. Partnering with Yukon-based Alkan Air reinforces our shared commitment to northern-led solutions, local job creation, and ensuring northern voices are at the forefront of major service delivery
Hobah Apartments (Joint Venture)
Hobah Apartments is a 33-unit apartment building that DDDC owns equally with Northern Vision Development. Operating at #1 Teslin Road, the venture continues to generate stable revenue with activities advancing as planned. This partnership provides reliable returns while positioning us for future growth opportunities.