Message from

CEO Tsekonámus

Rosemary Stager-Wallace

We had an exciting fourth quarter at the Líl̓wat Business Group. Since last fall. and all through this winter, we’ve been preparing for our first major construction project—Tseqwtsúqum̓ at Function Junction. We’ve hired for several new positions and established a new Development Services LP to oversee this $52M project, which broke ground last fall.

This project is especially meaningful to me because it fulfills an intergenerational dream. My late father, Chief Allen Stager, envisioned a time when Lil̓wat7úl would benefit directly from developments built on our traditional territory. Tseqwtsúqum̓ (pronounced Chek-choo-koom) brings that vision to life—one shared by many in our community.

This mixed residential-commercial development will provide stable, long-term housing for Whistler and Líl̓wat workers and their families. It is designed to support businesses in need of this type of staff housing. Líl̓wat will be holding 1/3 of all leases. The project includes 72 units across three buildings: 24 one-bedroom, 40 two-bedroom, and 8 three-bedroom homes, located in one of Whistler’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. Fully owned by the Líl̓wat Nation and funded by the First Nations Bank and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Tseqwtsúqum̓ will generate revenue through residential and commercial leasing. These profits will be reinvested into Nation projects and initiatives.

Through an Indigenous Participation Plan, LBG has secured $8M in subcontracts for the Líl̓wat Construction Enterprise (LCE), driving significant workforce growth. In April 2024, LCE had seven staff members. By April 2026, we expect that number to grow to 33, and during the final year of construction (April 2026 to April 2027), we anticipate a peak workforce of 51 team members. The chart below provides a breakdown of Status and non-Status employees.

As winter gives way to spring, we are entering our first major construction season.
I encourage you to visit our website (lilwatbusiness.ca) to explore current job opportunities. We are seeking labourers, certified professionals, and skilled tradespeople to join the Tseqwtsúqum̓ project. This is an opportunity to build your skills while contributing to a project that benefits the Líl̓wat Nation.

I look forward to sharing more updates as Tseqwtsúqum̓ continues to take shape.

I am also pleased to share our latest video, The Journey, which explores land sharing, Lil̓wat7úl values, and our return to our traditional territory in Whistler.

Kúkwstum̓ckál̓ap,

Tsekonámus Rosemary Stager-Wallace, CEO

The Líl̓wat Business Group annual leadership workshop in North Vancouver (February 24–26), focused on strategic planning, financial alignment, and HR leadership coaching.The team also visited 

Deep Cove on the shores of səl̓ilw̓ət (Indian Arm), where Seth George from Takaya Tours shared the oral history of the powerful two-headed serpent, Say Nuth Kway.

This month we would like to recognize Jason Andrew, General Manager of Líl̓wat Construction Enterprises (LCE), for his ongoing leadership and commitment to the organization. Jason has been working tirelessly to meet the ambitious benchmarks set by Líl̓wat Business Group.

In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of LCE, he has been coordinating trades, building estimates for upcoming work, and helping position LCE for larger opportunities ahead.

His dedication and work ethic continue to move the organization forward, and he will play a key role in delivering the Function Junction project this spring. 

Thanks Jason for everything you do!

— Zain Ashiq 
Senior Project Manager

Tseqwtsúqum̓ at Function Junction Hiring Underway

Líl̓wat Construction Enterprises continues to prepare for the upcoming Tseqwtsúqum̓ at Function Junction mixed commercial-residential project, with several key roles opening as we build out our project team. We are currently hiring for a Project Coordinator and a Safety Officer to support project delivery and ensure strong operational and safety standards on site.

We encourage anyone interested in working on LCE projects to submit their resume and relevant work experience to:

lceinfo@lilwatbusiness.ca

As part of our commitment to building capacity within the Nation, LCE is also providing staff training modules designed for group learning, helping our team strengthen their skills, safety knowledge, and overall project readiness.

Key Wins & Progress

Over the past month, LCE has made substantial progress on the Indigenous Participation Plan for the upcoming Function Junction project, which is now just over a month away from beginning. This project represents an important opportunity for LCE to strengthen Nation participation in large-scale construction projects while creating meaningful employment pathways for community members. Our team is currently working to secure and coordinate all concrete scopes on the project, along with the civil and earthworks components, ensuring that LCE can play a strong role in the early stages of the build.

On January 28, LCE hosted a community engagement session to share information about the project and discuss upcoming opportunities. 

The turnout and feedback were very encouraging.
We are planning one or two additional engagement sessions in the coming weeks to continue connecting with community members and answering questions about employment and training opportunities.

Key priorities for LCE are employment and capacity building for Nation members. Through this project we aim to create opportunities across multiple trades, including:

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Framing
• Roofing

As mentioned above, we are also looking to bring on a dedicated Safety Officer and a Project Coordinator to support the project team and ensure strong project delivery.

Alongside Tseqwtsúquḿ at Function Junction planning, LCE continues to advance several smaller initiatives. Construction work on the Sweat Lodge project is underway, and the team is also in the planning phase for the upcoming Main Street rehabilitation project. These projects provide valuable opportunities to grow our team and expand LCE’s operational capacity.

Community Engagements

LCE is planning a pop-up information booth and another community engagement session in late March to continue sharing updates and discussing job opportunities connected to upcoming projects.

Stay tuned for exact dates and details. We will be posting the dates on the LBG website as well as at the Líl̓wat Station Chevron in Mt. Currie.

—Zain Ashiq
LCE Senior Project Manager

Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures (LFV) continues to advance Indigenous-led forestry across Líl̓wat Territory while creating meaningful employment and stewardship opportunities for Nation members. LFV employs approximately 30 full-time staff and up to 55 seasonal employees, supporting a wide range of forestry and land stewardship activities.

Through the fall and winter months, LFV crews remained active supporting BC Hydro vegetation management, fuels reduction, and forest stewardship work that helps reduce wildfire risk near communities while contributing to healthier and more resilient forests.

A key focus this winter has been maintaining steady employment through vegetation management projects along BC Hydro transmission corridors while preparing for the 2026 field season. LFV contractors have also been completing fuels management work near the community on IR6, reducing wildfire risk while restoring forest conditions that support culturally important plants and traditional land use.

LFV continues working closely with the Líl̓wat Nation’s K̓wezúmin̓ Title & Rights Department, provincial agencies, and regional forestry partners to ensure forest management reflects both ecological priorities and Líl̓wat cultural values.

LFV Addresses Conferences

LFV leadership also represented Líl̓wat Nation in several forestry and bioeconomy discussions. In November, General Manager Klay Tindall spoke at the Scaling Up Bioeconomy Conference in Ottawa about opportunities for biochar and carbonization technologies to utilize forest residues. In January, Klay Tindall, Jordon Gabriel, and Rosemary Stager attended the Truck Loggers Association Convention in Vancouver. In February, Klay Tindall

and Jordon Gabriel spoke at the Forest Professionals of BC Conference in Vancouver, sharing Líl̓wat perspectives on Indigenous-led forest stewardship.

As LFV prepares for the spring and summer 2026 season, crews are gearing up for another busy year that will include wildfire response capacity, forest operations, fuels management projects, and continued partnerships across the region.

LFV Wildfire Crew
Training & Readiness

LFV crews continue training and readiness activities in preparation for the 2026 wildfire season. These crews provide valuable employment opportunities for Líl̓wat members while helping protect communities and forests across the province.

We thank all crew members for their dedication and commitment as they prepare for another fire season.

Upcoming Events & Promotions

2026 Wildfire Crew Recruitment & Training
LFV continues preparing crews for the upcoming wildfire season. Interested Líl̓wat members are encouraged to inquire about training and employment opportunities.

Spring 2026 Forestry Operations Season
Planning is underway for spring forestry operations, including fuels reduction and forest stewardship activities across Líl̓wat Territory.

— Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures Team

Líl̓wat Retail Operations (LRO) continues to invest in infrastructure, local partnerships, and strategic planning to benefit both community members and visitors. From fuel pump upgrades to grocery, motel, and tourism services, every initiative is designed to enhance service, support local businesses, and ensure that spending in Líl̓wat directly strengthens the community.

Fuel Pump Upgrade Completed

Líl̓wat Station Chevron recently completed a major fuel dispenser upgrade on March 6, ahead of schedule. This $200,000 investment introduces tap payment readers and larger digital display screens, enhancing customer convenience while supporting efficient operations and marketing opportunities.

Supporting the Community

Here are some recent Líl̓wat youth and community initiatives LROI s is supporting:

Líl̓wat Youth Basketball
Donations helped teams travel to the Junior All Native Tournament March 15 – 20, 2026 in Langley, BC.

Unity Cup Easter Ball Hockey Tournament
Hitching Post Motel sponsored Player of the Game awards while hosting visiting teams.

Pálkumten Grad Class of 2026
Support for graduation fundraising through their operations of the Unity Hockey Tournament Concession.

Professional Development

LRO was proud to take part in the Business Group's annual leadership workshop in Nrorth Vancouver in February, along with LBG team members across the various businesses.

Looking Ahead:
FY2027 Priorities

Grocery Store Revitalization
Tsípun Supermarket will relaunch its kitchen/café in summer 2026 with new leadership, an expanded menu, extended hours, and catering services, supported by marketing campaigns and in-store promotions.

Gas Station Optimization
Líl̓wat Station Chevron will focus on retail excellence, full shelves, expanded Indigenous and tourism products, and improved food and beverage services, with potential for extended hours.

Motel Strategic Development
Management will develop a 3 – 5 year strategic plan for the Hitching Post Motel, including infrastructure and facility upgrades to support long-term growth.

Marketplace Project Advancement
Retail Operations will support Líl̓wat Construction Enterprises in advancing the Marketplace project located on land between Líl̓wat Station and Ts̓zil Learning Centre, removing barriers and pursuing funding opportunities to ensure successful development.

—Graham Turner
General Manager of Líl̓wat Retail Operations