The Líl̓wat Business Group is one of the Whistler Chamber’s wonderful Members.
Their goal is to generate revenue for the Nation for reinvestment into the community, all while creating employment opportunities and building capacity within the Nation.
We recently spoke to the Líl̓wat Business Group to learn more about what they do, their challenges, plans for the future, and more.
What makes your business special?
The Líl̓wat Business Group (LBG) is the arms-length economic development corporation of the Lílwat Nation. What sets us apart from many Whistler Chamber members, is that LBG is an Indigenous organization with a mission to create a diverse, sustainable economy that respects Líl̓wat Nation’s people, Territory and values.
Which product or service are you most proud of and why?
For more than 100 years, Líl̓wat Nations was effectively cut out of participating in the Canadian economy due to the Indian Act. In the 1990s, Líl̓wat Nation began to address this inequity by creating Creekside Resources to manage forestry interests and a gas station/convenience store. In 2013, the corporation became the Líl̓wat Business Group (LBG) to reflect its growth and diversity of its operations. Today, LBG consists of thriving limited partnerships in the retail, forestry and construction sectors. Additionally, we operate dynamic capital assets and management services divisions providing close to 100 jobs throughout the community.
What challenges do you face running a business and how do you manage them?
Having lived all of my life in Líl̓wat Nation, I have always been acutely of the impact poverty can have on a community. I joined LBG as its CAO in July 2023 with a goal of leveling the economic playing field for our community by creating more well-paying jobs, reinvesting our profits in community initiatives, and supporting our community’s entrepreneurs to develop successful businesses.
Do you have any big plans for the business you can share with us?
Lil̓wat7úl have always been business minded. Pre-colonization, we had a thriving economy, trading with other Nations in the region and later on with settlers. I am excited to be working on a program and building a new space that will support local entrepreneurs, allowing them to level up their businesses with minimal risk. Developing our entrepreneurs will impact our economy in many ways, including creating a mechanism for the transfer of intergenerational wealth. We don’t have homes our children can inherit, but they can inherit the businesses we build.
What’s your favourite thing about being a member of the Whistler Chamber?
What I love about being belonging the Whistler Chamber is that our membership is one way we are re-establishing our presence on our Traditional Territory in Whistler, as we are also doing with the mix- residential/commercial development in Function Junction. I value the opportunities to network with potential future partners and to learn more about the business landscape in Whistler that comes with attending Chamber events. And it’s a great place to share ideas and plans.
Become a Member of the Whistler Chamber
The the Líl̓wat Business Group is just one of many local businesses that enjoys the benefits of our advocacy work, networking opportunities, training programs, and business savings.
Learn more about our Member Benefits, or sign up online today here!