Scwén̓wen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is the business arm of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS). Formerly the Business and Economic Development department, SEDC now operates as an arms-length corporation focused on advancing Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc mission to promote the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of Members and community.
We lead economic initiatives that create jobs, build capacity, generate own-source revenue, and promote self-sufficiency. Through strategic partnerships, land development and business development, SEDC is building a strong and sustainable economic foundation for future generations of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.
Formerly the Business & Economic Development department, SEDC now oversees a growing portfolio of subsidiary companies that span key sectors including land development, leasing, forestry, partnerships, business ventures, and tourism.
We invite you to explore current opportunities, learn about our partnerships, and discover how SEDC is helping to create long-term prosperity for the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc community.
SEDC was established to provide a more strategic and business-focused approach to economic development for Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. The transition from a departmental model to a corporate structure introduces limited liability protections, increased operational flexibility, professional oversight, and long-term planning capacity.
Governed by a qualified Board of Directors, SEDC benefits from a diversity of experience across sectors. This arms-length structure promotes transparency and accountability by maintaining a formal reporting relationship with TteS leadership to ensure alignment with community goals.
Our Board of Directors play a key role in guiding SEDC’s strategy and governance. Board members are selected for their expertise, leadership, and commitment to advancing Indigenous reconciliation. The current Board was appointed by Chief and Council in November 2024.
The Board also includes an ex officio seat held by a member of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Council. This role serves as a key liaison between SEDC and TteS leadership—participating in meetings, receiving updates, and reporting back to Council to ensure strong communication and alignment. Tkwenem7íple7 Thomas Blank currently serves as the ex officio member.
SEDC’s work is guided by a dedicated team of professionals committed to advancing economic opportunities for Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. Leadership is provided by our Chief Executive Officer, with staff bringing a variety of expertise and experience to their roles. Together, we deliver projects and initiatives that strengthen the community’s economic future.
Secretary-Treasurer
Supporting First Nation enterprises to create success and employment opportunities.
Secretary-Treasurer
Sukhvinder (Sukhi) Chouhan, CPA, CA, CAFM, is the Director of Chouhan Accounting Ltd., based in Kamloops, BC. He is dedicated to helping First Nation communities and their for-profit entities to achieve success and provide meaningful employment to the members. Sukhi has been part of the First Nation teams in various different capacities for the past 13 years to establish a deep understanding of culture and history. He has held many roles such as CFO, Financial Controller, Finance and Audit committee member and Board of Director.
He currently serves as a Board Director with AFOA BC, Knowledge Network, Upper Nicola Indian Band Development Corp, Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development Corp. and BC Assessment Authority. He is also a Finance and Audit Committee Member for the Penticton Indian Band. As part of his accounting practice, he provides accounting and tax and business consulting services to corporate and personal clients such as capital financing, accounts payable, taxation issues, revenue sharing, and negotiations.
Sukhi was designated a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) in 2008 with KPMG. In 2015, he became a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM).
Board Chair
Dedicated community leader focused on growth, collaboration, and lasting change.
Board Chair
Ken Christian is the former Mayor of Kamloops, having successfully run in ten consecutive local elections from 1993 to 2018. Over his public service career, he served 18 years as a School Trustee (eight as Board Chair), two terms as a City Councillor, and two terms as Mayor. Ken was active with the Hospital District, Airport Authority, and many local business associations. His career at city hall was guided by a strong passion for infrastructure improvements, adoption of a Climate Action Plan, and a focus on the social determinants of health. His final years in politics were marked by leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and numerous climate crises, including heat domes, floods, and wildfires.
Ken is a Life Member of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors and has received numerous awards for his public and professional contributions to the region. He and his wife, Brenda, have three adult children—Nic, Jon, and Taryn—and three grandsons: Jack, Rhys, and Henry.
Vice-Chair
Connecting culture, wellness, & sustainability to strengthen Secwépemc prosperity.
Vice-Chair
Director
Building partnerships that drive meaningful outcomes for communities and industry.
Director
Kate Stebbings is an accomplished engagement specialist and accredited communicator with more than 25 years of experience advancing strategic initiatives that create meaningful outcomes for corporations, communities, and Indigenous partners. Her career has focused on building trust through inclusive dialogue, transparent communication, and thoughtful planning.
Kate previously served as Manager of Engagement and Strategic Initiatives on the $30.4 billion Trans Mountain Expansion Project, where she led stakeholder engagement strategies that aligned corporate goals with community priorities. As founder of Tailwind Communications, she continues to support values-based engagement, including work with all levels of government and industry partners to advance resource development initiatives. She currently supports mine closure and community transition planning as a Social Transition Consultant with Teck Resources at Highland Valley Copper Mine.
A former President of the Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce, Kate remains active on several boards, including the TRU Gaglardi Dean’s Advisory Council, STEPS Community Health Centre, and the Build Kamloops Concept Committee. She holds a Master’s in Business Communications, a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability, and advanced certification in facilitation.
Kate is also a decorated Ironman athlete, with twelve national and international wins, including two podium finishes at the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Whether racing, leading dialogue, or planning for long-term change, she brings passion, discipline, and a deep respect for community to everything she does.
Ex Officio
Committed to Secwépemc self-determination, transparency, and long-term economic independence.
Ex Officio
Weytkp xwexwéytep,
Tkwenem7íple7 Thomas Blank ren skwekwst. I was born in Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Te Tk̓emlúps re st̕7é7kwen. Joanna Norman ren sem7é7em. Together we have 7 adult children, 6 grandchildren with another on the way for January 2025. Carol Jules re skwest.s ren kík7ece, Roger Blank ren skwest.s qé7tse. Len kyé7e Maria Jules ren skwest.s Ren kyé7e Delores Jules ren skwest.s, Len xpé7e Clarence Jules ren skwest.s.
I am very humbled and thankful to be elected to represent our membership as Tkwenem7iple7 (Councillor) for my third term (2018-2021, 2021-2024, 2024-2027). I would like to thank Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc membership for believing in me, and I was very honoured to sign my third Oath of Office.
I am committed to showing up for the TteS community with integrity, upholding our Secwépemc laws, culture, and language, and asserting our title and rights. I am here because my passion lies in our People, our Land, and our Traditions, and I value each member of our community. I will always do my best to listen and to learn.
I believe in responsive leadership, grounded in good governance, active community engagement, and implementing the supports needed for healing, recovery, mental health, and overall well-being. I am dedicated to improving communication with membership, ensuring transparency, and maintaining accountability.
My vision is to achieve economic independence, establish lasting financial certainty, exercise land jurisdiction, and plan for the next seven generations. Kukwstsétselp! Tkwenem7iple7 (Councillor) Thomas Blank
The following corporations fall under the SEDC structure and oversight. Each plays a role in advancing SEDC’s mission to build economic strength and opportunity for Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS). Together, they reflect SEDC’s growing portfolio across key sectors such as land development, leasing, forestry, partnerships, business ventures, and tourism.
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