With a new economic development structure and brand, the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), a progressive community committed to attaining self-sufficiency and independence through education and economic development, is poised for significant growth.

For many years, the TteS economic development department operated under band administration and was governed by Chief and Council. As part of its 2022-25 strategic plan, a new economic entity was created – Sc.wén̓wen – which operates arms-length from Chief and Council. Aligning with the new entity, a fresh image and branding initiative highlights the increased economic development capabilities and capacity at TteS.

“This is a huge step forward that will enable us to move at the speed of business,” says Krista Stoesz, Economic Development Officer for Sc.wén̓wen. An estimated 20 new businesses and 100 jobs will be created within the next three to five years as projects are completed.

With its mandate to support smaller communities and First Nations in the Southern Interior region, the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) previously supported TteS in creating its strategic plan. ETSI-BC also supported the recent branding initiative through its Building Economic Capacity funding stream.

“Branding is a vital part of economic development,” says Laurel Douglas, CEO of ETSI-BC. “A comprehensive branding strategy communicates to investors, businesses, residents and stakeholders why people should visit, invest and work in a community.”

Indigenous Culture Key to Brand Development  

The ETSI-BC funding enabled Sc.wén̓wen to engage Indigenous Marketing Solutions (IMS) to develop its new branding strategy. Not only does the new brand open the door to more diverse businesses, it is also helping revitalize TteS’s language and culture.

IMS worked collaboratively with TteS member Kel-C Jules to create the new logo for Sc.wén̓wen  which features a loon, symbolic of patience, resilience, and reclamation. “The logo also represents fresh starts, new opportunities, and a positive economic outlook, themes we integrate into our everyday values.” says Stoesz.

The marketing strategy also supports the community’s vision to grow beyond its mainly industrial landscape. “More coffee shops, restaurants and housing developments will create a sense of place,” says Stoesz.

Large-Scale Sustainable Projects Underway

Sc.wén̓wen has been actively developing the Chief Louis Crossing commercial complex, located on the Yellowhead Highway, a major route to and from the Lower Mainland. The complex opened in October 2023 with the Sweláps Market, a 22,000 sq. foot band-owned grocery store as its anchor tenant. Chief Louis Pharmacy IDA has been approved as a new tenant, and the community’s second Petro-Canada station, a Starbucks with a drive through and electric car charging will soon be part of the complex.

The economic strategy for TteS prioritizes collaborative projects. One example is Tk̓emlúps Transload, a lumber and construction reload facility created through a joint venture with Arrow Reload.

The new Stswékstem Engineered Waste Management Facility, a partnership with Kamloops-based Grassland Organics, is unique in its ability to accept multiple waste streams at a single location and redirect materials from the landfill toward more sustainable uses. Another potential project with a North American railway will help relieve pressure on the Port of Vancouver by providing inland rail storage.

Many other projects are in the feasibility stage including a partnership to build a large sustainable renewable fuels facility  at the band’s 7-mile location, and a joint venture agreement to start a civil works company,  Tk̓emlúps Contracting.

Sc.wén̓wen has also launched a small business support program to help with Indigenous procurement and  supports for entrepreneurs. The Sc.wén̓wen  website will identify tenant vacancies, and leasing and partnership opportunities.

“You can’t do something this ambitious without the visual representation that ties everything together,” says Stoesz. “We finally have the capacity to attract new industries, drive innovation, create jobs and build a financial legacy for  Tk̓emlúps members and community.”