Our Story

Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) – the business arm of the Tahltan Nation – is owned by its shareholders – Iskut Band, Tahltan Band and Tahltan Central Government. A portion of TNDC’s profit is returned to our shareholders in the form of a distribution for initiatives to benefit Tahltan members, while the remaining amount is retained for working capital and to be reinvested for future growth.

TNDC was founded in 1985 by visionary, progressive Tahltan leaders who wanted to ensure the Tahltan Nation benefits from the economic activities and development occurring within Tahltan Territory and to provide employment, training and contracting opportunities to Tahltan members. TNDC’s founders were Jerry Asp, General Manager of TNDC, Pat Etzerza, Chief of the Iskut Band, Vernon Marion, President of Tahltan Tribal Council and Ivan Quock, Chief of the Tahltan Band.

Vision, Mission, Values

Mandate

TNDC’s mandate is to operate a diverse and profitable corporate entity – while honouring our past and embracing our future – that creates economic prosperity for an independent and self-reliant Tahltan Nation.

TNDC will provide a diverse, healthy and safe work environment, while committed to enhancing the skills of our workforce.

Mandate

Vision

TNDC’s vision is to be the most dynamic Indigenous corporation in Canada.

Vision

Mission

Our mission is to be an integrated full-service provider and trusted partner to our clients – both within and outside of Tahltan Territory – for the purpose of creating economic prosperity for the Tahltan Nation. Through fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, maintaining a wide geographic presence, and encapsulating modern business practices, TNDC will manage risk and ensure long-term sustainability, while adhering to responsible business practices that balance environmental, social and economic impacts.

Mission

TNDC Values

Safety: Safety First, Safety Always. A core value that guides everything we do.

Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of accountability, honesty and fairness.

Respect: Treating all with respect and dignity.

Diversity: We celebrate and embrace diversity and inclusivity in our culture, business practices and workforce.

High Performance: Delivering results that exceed expectations through a culture of innovation, collaboration and development.

TNDC Values

Tahltan Values

TNDC is committed to pursuing sustainable economic development and strengthening the cultural wellness of the Tahltan Community by promoting traditional values based on the concepts of caring, sharing, cooperation, truth, honour, fairness and above all, respect.

TNDC operations are guided by the 1910 Declaration of the Tahltan Tribe and the Tahltan Resource Development Policy. These documents affirm Tahltan ownership and sovereignty over Tahltan Territory and establish guiding principles that resource developers must adhere to when operating within Tahltan territory.

Tahltan Values

3-Year Strategic Plan

TNDC is finalizing a new strategic plan that will guide the organization from 2025 to 2028. Our new strategic plan focuses on five core priorities: Diversifying Revenue, Expanding Strategic Infrastructure Delivery, Growing Tahltan Leadership, Optimizing Capital and Resources and Aligning with Tahltan Culture.

History of TNDC

1985–1990

1985

TNDC launches as an indigenous-owned non-profit society to ensure the Tahltan Nation benefits from responsible development occurring in Tahltan territory.
Begins as a residential construction company building homes and commercial buildings in Tahltan territory.

1987

Builds homes, band offices, health centres & buildings in Dease Lake & Telegraph Creek, IR#9 infrastructure, training 26 carpenters.
Tahltan Resource Development Policy is adopted by the Tahltan Nation, allowing TNDC to negotiate with resource developers.

1988

TNDC Lands first civil contract with the Ministry of Highways at Gnat Lake.
Expands into heavy construction for resource development and mining on Golden Bear Mine, purchasing $3 million of equipment.
Negotiates first Impact Benefit Agreement in BC for Golden Bear Mine, securing road construction, road maintenance, earthworks, camp services contracts, and providing training and employment.

1989

Negotiates second major contract, for open pit mining at Golden Bear Mine, purchases new rock trucks and loaders.
Wins BC Government Environmental Award for a revised design for the road to Golden Bear, which significantly reduces impacts on salmon bearing streams and river crossings.
Negotiates first major contract, for the settling pond at Golden Bear, in first joint venture partnership with Grant Stewart Construction.

1990–2000

1990

TNDC negotiates Homestake Mining Tahltan Agreement for Eskay Project, securing road, camp/mill construction, earthworks, site work, road maintenance contracts.

1991

Creates joint ventures for Eskay Mine to build a 68 km site access road and ore-haul contract.
Launches Spatsizi Remote Services Corporation, a joint venture for housekeeping and catering services at Eskay Mine.
TNDC becomes the largest indigenous-owned and operated heavy construction company in Western Canada.

2000–2005

2003

TNDC forms Rescan Tahltan Environmental Consulting for work in Tahltan territory.

2004

Restructures to a limited partnership for tax purposes and renamed as Tahltan Nation Community Development Corporation.

2005–2010

2008

Secured $180+ million direct and $76 million in joint venture contracts during construction of Novagold’s Galore Creek mine project.

2009

Adopts union wages to ensure wage equality for all employees and establishes a wage subsidy health fund for employees facing family emergencies.

2010–2015

2012

TNDC unveils a new logo incorporating the Tahltan wolf and crow clans, embodying unity, strength and vision, and distinguishing TNDC as the business arm of the Tahltan Nation.

2013

Lands long-term contracts for TIA construction, road maintenance, and camp services as well as joint venture partner services for Red Chris Mine.

2015–2020

2015

Wins the BC Aboriginal Community-Owned Business of the Year Award.
Launches an air charter partnership business, serving Red Chris Mine crew flights.

2016

Opens new administration building with expanded mechanics shop to accommodate a growing team and business growth.

2017

Launches fibre optics communications business, connecting first industrial customer, providing high-speed service to Forrest Kerr hydroelectric project.

2019

Receives government funding approval to bring fast, reliable and advanced fibre optic communications to Tahltan territory.

2020–2025

2020

Launches a forestry business with the first logging contract at Newcrest Red Chris Mine.
Launches air support and bus transportation businesses serving Newcrest Red Chris Mine.

2022

Monumental award year: winner of Top Indigenous Business of the Year Award, named to Indigenomics 2022 10 to Watch List, and winner of Biggest Indigenous Businesses in BC.

2023

TNDC unveils a newly refreshed brand identity, mandate, mission vision statements and values.
Tahltan Nation & Nisga’a Nation announce Treaty Creek Partnership to maximize economic growth at the KSM Project
Creates groundbreaking Tahltan Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) training program.
Creates TNDC Employees Rewards & Recognition program.
Assumes fuel service operations at Dease Lake airport.

2024

Achieves Certificate of Recognition (COR) from WorkSafeBC underscoring commitment to workplace health & safety.
TNDC and Finning Canada launch TNDC Mobile Training Centre.
TNDC and Central Mountain Air elevate partnership with joint branded aircraft and fleet expansion.
Tahltan Communications brings high speed telecommunications services over fibre optics to Tahltan Territory.

2025