TNDC named one of the largest Indigenous businesses in B.C.
By Adam Freill
Commercial Construction Industrial Infrastructure Institutional Leadership ResidentialConstruction firm with diversified operations places in the top three on BIV list for the second consecutive year.
(Image courtesy of Tahltan Nation Development Corporation)
A company with roots in residential and heavy construction is among the largest Indigenous businesses in British Columbia, as rated by Business in Vancouver (BIV). Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) placed third on the list, which is based on the total number of employees. It led the field in 2021, giving the company back-to-back top-three finishes.
“TNDC is delighted to again be recognized as one of the biggest Indigenous businesses in British Columbia. Inclusion in Business in Vancouver’s coveted annual list provides further credence to the economic strength and wellbeing of TNDC and strengthens our position as an Indigenous partner of choice,” stated Paul Gruner, CEO of TNDC. “Introduction of new businesses like airport and forestry services are complementing our heavy construction and camp services for the exploration and mining sector, enabling us to provide valuable employment for the local remote communities and be one of the top employers in Northwest British Columbia.”
TNDC – the business arm of the Tahltan Nation – is owned by shareholders Iskut Band, Tahltan Band and Tahltan Central Government. A portion of TNDC’s profit is returned to shareholders in the form of a dividend for initiatives to benefit Tahltan members, while the remaining amount is retained for working capital and to be reinvested for future growth.
Founded in 1985 by visionary, progressive Tahltan leaders who wanted to ensure the Tahltan Nation would benefit from economic activities and development occurring within Tahltan Territory, and to provide employment, training and contracting opportunities to Tahltan members, the company started with residential construction. Since then, its services have expanded to heavy construction, earthworks, camp services, air support, aviation, forestry, transportation and fibre-optic communications services.
In its 2021-2022 fiscal year, TNDC posted gross revenue of $70 million with $80 million in assets. During the 2022 work season, employment peaked at 319, with more than 500 employed over the course of the season. More than 70 per cent of its workforce this year identified as Indigenous.
