Sharing our vision for growth and prosperity
How We Grow
Yekooche First Nation is standing up an independent Economic Development Corporation that will be fully operational in 2024.
We are seeking equity and acquisitions partners for pipeline, powerline, mining, and forestry projects located on and off traditional territories to benefit all stakeholders.
Aligned with industry consultation practices, we very competently represent Indigenous needs to facilitate growth and prosperity with industry partners who share our vision.
How We Grow
Yekooche First Nation is standing up an independent Economic Development Corporation that will be fully operational in 2024.
We are seeking equity and acquisitions partners for pipeline, powerline, mining, and forestry projects located on and off traditional territories to benefit all stakeholders.
Aligned with industry consultation practices, we very competently represent Indigenous needs to facilitate growth and prosperity with industry partners who share our vision.
How We Grow
Yekooche First Nation is standing up an independent Economic Development Corporation that will be fully operational in 2024.
We are seeking equity and acquisitions partners for pipeline, powerline, mining, and forestry projects located on and off traditional territories to benefit all stakeholders.
Aligned with industry consultation practices, we very competently represent Indigenous needs to facilitate growth and prosperity with industry partners who share our vision.
Meet the Yekooche Nation
Economic Development Team
Steve Nycholat
Steve Nycholat, MBA, RFT, and Lean Blackbelt, is an entrepreneurial leader with extensive experience in contracting, consulting, and management. His career is distinguished by a focus on partnerships, forestry, engineering, and collaborative success, making him a valuable partner for First Nations, industry and supply chain companies seeking sustainable growth.
As CEO of Sasuchan Development Corporation from January 2021 to March 2024, Steve drove top-line revenue from $9 million to over $34 million, managing a diverse portfolio in construction, manufacturing, service, and resource industries. His strategic leadership enhanced Indigenous contractor opportunities and facilitated the development of Wildland Development for sustainable building in remote Indigenous communities.
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Previously, as General Manager of Operations at Sasuchan, Steve introduced continuous improvement practices, empowering staff to achieve personal and organizational goals. His role as Pacific Regional Manager at Allnorth Consultants showcased his expertise in project management and continuous improvement in the engineering sector.
With over two decades at TDB Consultants, Steve led teams in forestry, construction, and engineering, creating new business ventures and establishing joint management services with First Nations partners. His strategic contracting approaches have consistently delivered outstanding results.
Steve holds an MBA from the University of Northern British Columbia, a Forest Technologist diploma from the College of New Caledonia, and a LEAN Blackbelt certification from Lean Sensei International. His community involvement includes roles on the UNBC Faculty of Business & Economics Advisory Board and the Tla’amin Management Services Board. He has also coached UNBC JDC West entrepreneurship teams to three podium top finishes in national competitions.
Through Nycholat Consulting, Steve continues to deliver economic, business, and continuous improvement services, facilitating Lean assessments for Canadian manufacturers and exporters. His published research on high-performance organizations underscores his expertise in communication, employee skill diversity, and client relationships.
Steve Nycholat’s strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and dedication to innovation make him an ideal partner for growth companies in the resource, engineering, construction and supply chain sectors.
Dean Cherkas
With more than 30 years of experience working in the fields of First Nations and provincial governments, land management, economic development, emergency response, and environmental regulations, Dean brings a holistic perspective to his management consulting work for and with Yekooche First Nation.
Dean understands the political and socio-economic landscape of Indigenous communities and is able to support his clients while bridging relationships to develop a comprehensive understanding of how industry, provincial and federal governments, and Indigenous communities can work together to benefit from resource and energy development projects while ensuring protection of Yekooche First Nation’s cultural and heritage values.
Kailee Mortimer
Kailee Mortimer has over 5 years of experience working with small communities on a variety of projects relating to environmental economics, climate change mitigation and adaptation. While her recent work has focused on energy and climate change projects, her background is in environmental economics and finance. This has supported her in analyzing data and developing strategies to help communities and organizations make informed, environmentally conscious decisions around sustainable economic development opportunities.
Outside of work, Kailee enjoys backcountry skiing, hiking, playing soccer, and volunteering with Prince George Search and Rescue.
PROGRESS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS:
Meraki Resources is a key industry partner collaborating with Yekooche on strategic pathways for community-driven and sustainable projects.
Mountainview Safety Services partners to deliver critical safety education and training skills that develop Yekooche community engagement.
