Commercial property acquisition is a significant step toward sovereignty, stability, and opportunity for Nation-owned businesses and Nation members

To strengthen community presence and economic resilience, Tiičma Enterprises, a diversified Indigenous economic development corporation, purchased the Campbell River building where the group of companies and the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:kles7et’h’ First Nations have been leasing for 5 years. This investment replaces a five-year lease with long-term ownership, securing a permanent space for governance, business operations, and community services that benefit Nation members.

Island Coastal Trust invested $200,000 with Tiičma Enterprises towards a $5.4 million project budget that included the strategic commercial property acquisition in Campbell River through its Capital and Innovation program. The Trust invested in the acquisition with a focus on entrepreneurs and local businesses. It’s also the second major acquisition partnership between Tiičma Enterprises and the Trust, following the purchase of a luxury floating resort in 2023 that revitalized Walters Cove Fishing Resort near Houpsitas, the Nation’s primary community.

More Than a Building: A Strategic Investment

While Houpsitas and Kyuquot Sound are Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:kles7et’h’ First Nations’ core territory and home, nearly 200 Nation members also reside in Campbell River. For the past five years, the building at 1250 Ironwood Street has grown into a vital hub. Initially leased as office space for the Nation’s leadership team, it created opportunities for community engagement, member services, and a sense of connection for citizens living in the city. Three years ago, Tiičma Enterprises, the Nation’s economic development corporation, joined the space. This helped expand its business operations and created new employment opportunities for Nation members in both Campbell River and the Nation’s core territory. “Our citizens are happy,” said Gary Wilson, CEO, Tiičma Enterprises. “It’s a home away from home for many that work here and depend on it. Now we have the opportunity for growth.” The acquisition of the building transforms their 5-year lease into a permanent anchor, an investment in Nation-building and a stronger economic future. The growth is substantial. The Nation increased its office and community space from 7,200 square feet to nearly 17,000. As a Self-Governing Nation under the Maa-nulth Treaty,  Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:kles7et’h’ First Nations’ government has a legislature structure, and the 9 members will now enjoy their own dedicated space for the first time. Through this acquisition, Tiičma Enterprises is expanding from 4,100 to 6,000 square feet. They currently employ 35 people locally and 94 across the operations of Tiičma diversified group of companies, including Walters Fishing Resort, Westcoast Expeditions, Tiičma Forestry, Tiičma Fisheries, and a property management services, among others. “It also allows for several touch points for the businesses and the community,” said Wilson. ”Now all of our staff and managers have office space, where we just couldn’t do that before.” The building is now an important asset. As Tiičma Enterprises gains equity, they’ll leverage it into future investments that benefit the Nation.

Building Partnerships

Beyond the financial strategy, it’s also a culturally significant step that reflects the values of unity, respect, and collaboration. “This remarkable milestone represents a moment of pride and achievement for Tiičma and the Ka:yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations,” says Cynthia Blackstone, Chair of KCFN Holdings and Chief Administrative Officer for the Nations. “It emphasizes our commitment to progress, culture, and community.  We are deeply honoured by the blessing of the We Wai Kai and We Wai Kum Nations.  Their acknowledgment reflects our spirit of unity and collaboration that strengthens the relationships among our communities.” Wei Wai Kum Councillor Shelly Haunch greeted and officially welcomed Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:kles7et’h’ First Nations into their core territory, showing the strong community-to-community partnerships that are already underway. A ceremonial gifting moved many in attendance, including Island Coastal Trust Director Colleen Evans, who described the moment as deeply emotional and meaningful to the Trust’s relationship with the Nation. “It was such a special moment, I had tears in my eyes,” said Evans. “There were people in the room seeing this incredible gifting and it felt very in the moment. I never expected anything like that, and it really honoured the relationship they feel with the Trust.”

She also noted that by fully occupying the building, the Nation and Tiičma are doing more than centralizing operations. They’re building capacity for lasting impact. “It’s a big deal,” said Evans. “I could really appreciate all the support they had to buy the building and now, by being in one space and having all their activities under one roof, they’ll be stronger for it.”

Strengthening the Community

Beyond supporting the Nation’s operations and Tiičma Enterprises’ existing businesses, the new venue will also serve all the Ka:yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations’ members. The building will continue to serve as an important focal point for Nation members living in Campbell River. There are plans to create a cold storage for traditional food distribution to members in Campbell River. They also plan to develop a business incubator to support the Nation’s aspiring entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, and shared office infrastructure. Most importantly, the building will also continue to support cultural celebration and preservation through community events. “This is more than a building,” said Wilson. “It’s a symbol of how we’re building our Nation’s future, together with our partners.” — Learn more about this project’s Wellbeing Impacts: Acquisition Strengthens Tiičma Enterprises’ Long-term Financial Sustainability.