A Legacy Built by Visionaries. Building Trust. Building Futures.
The TNDC Legacy Video commemorates the remarkable story of how the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation grew from a grassroots home construction venture into one of the largest Indigenous-owned and operated businesses in British Columbia.
Told through the voices of TNDC founders Jerry Asp and Pat Etzerza, past CEO Bill Adsit, current CEO Todd den Engelsen, Board Chair Riannon Ball, and contributors Holly Henry and Dawn (DJ) Loverin, as well as emerging leader Jazmyn Etzerza, the video captures four decades of courage, determination, and Nation building.
In the early 1980s, as Tahltans faced economic exclusion and outside contractors dominated local work, TNDC was born—driven by a clear vision: to create meaningful employment, skills training, and long-term opportunity for Tahltan people.
What began with residential construction and trades training soon expanded into heavy civil work, major industry partnerships, and contracts across Tahltan Territory. TNDC’s historic entry into resource development—through bold leadership and moments of resistance—laid the foundation for an Indigenous-led economic force in the Golden Triangle.
More than a tribute, the video is a call to the future. As TNDC celebrates 40 years of economic empowerment and Nation service, its legacy honours those who defied expectations and built a path forward—and inspires the next generation of Tahltan youth to carry that legacy on.
“They never expected us to last two weeks—and here we are, 40 years later.”
— Vernon Marion
Watch the video to explore TNDC’s extraordinary and inspiring journey, enduring leadership, and vision that continues to shape its future.
You can view it here: https://youtu.be/L6caefNCbDY?si=lBq2DtnimhzXcogn
40th Anniversary Founders video courtesy of: https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca/shortline-creative
