Tsawwassen First Nation Economic Development Corporation CEO Chris Hartman has received a prestigious national award.
Hartman was presented with the Individual Economic Developer of the Year Award at the 21st annual national conference of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers in Nanaimo last month.
As well, an Award of Recognition was presented to Tony Jacobs on behalf of the TFN.
"Economic development has allowed us to achieve independence for our children and grandchildren so we may carry on the advice and wisdom given to us by our elders to fulfill the wishes and dreams for our people," said Jacobs, a member of the TFN executive council.
The awards recognize those who demonstrate their vision and success in the pursuit of sustainable economic self-sufficiency and improved quality of life for
aboriginal people.
A 2009 treaty provided the TFN with a land base, money and new authority, but it was up to the community to manage these assets. In the five years since Hartman became CEO, he has launched numerous initiatives to further TFN's economic goals.
The TFN has secured partnerships with experienced real estate developers that are building two complementary shopping centres on 185 acres of TFN land - slated to open in 2016 - and three industrial facilities.
In addition, TFN has established four joint ventures with private sector partners to provide civil construction, security, building construction and IT outsourcing services.
"I truly believe that successful economic development means looking beyond basic business principles, and focusing on the balanced delivery of social and economic opportunities so that all TFN members are
afforded an opportunity to achieve their dreams," said Hartman.
An economic impact study estimates the current projects will generate almost 5,800 person years of employment and $1 billion in construction-related spending, and once completed, 5,600 permanent jobs and $235 million in annual employment income.
