In a conversation with Indigenous-SME Business Magazine, Trevor Cootes, Regional Business Development Advisor at the First Nations Business Development Association, shared how his deep-rooted respect for Indigenous governance and values shapes his approach to economic development. Trevor’s work exemplifies how traditional Indigenous knowledge and Western business frameworks can be effectively integrated to create sustainable and culturally aligned economic projects. His involvement in significant initiatives like the Kwispaa LNG project and the Indigenous Forestry Conference demonstrates the power of collaboration and mutual respect in driving meaningful and long-lasting development in Indigenous communities.
“Ook-ltha-mahh Hii-yiqh-sath Huu-ay-aht-ah, hello my name is Trevor Cootes my ancestral name is Hiiy-aqh-saht. And I come from the house of Ap-win-i-saht. My mom Tlii-tlii-hi-saks is a matriarch of the Williams family.”
Trevor is a community-centric leader in Indigenous Economic Development with 20+ years of experience coordinating and overseeing economic planning, business expansion and retention, facilitating federal grants and land disposition.
Trevor has a strong work ethic and integrity, a 360-degree view of business and industry, understands individual roles within an organization and relationships needed for economic success, strong attribute is ability to be a problem solver.
Trevor Cootes served 7 years as an Elected Member of the Executive Council for the Huuayaht First Nation. Trevor has held the Economic Development portfolio for 7 years, Chaired the Economic Development Committee and Chaired the HFN Dev Co Board, which oversaw 7 Limited Partnerships owned by Huuayaht. At the leadership level Trevor has worked to help further Huuayaht economic goals by creating business enterprises and building partnerships/joint ventures with forest companies and other businesses that create a strong self reliant Huuayaht economy. Trevor lead the development of a $5000 dollar grant for Huuayaht entrepreneurs to access for their business ventures. Trevor increased total investment in Huuayaht Business Enterprises from $3 million to $20 million.
1) NEDC Board – Nuu Chah Nulth Economic Development Corp – 7 years
2) ITBC Board – Indigenous Tourism BC – 5 yrs
3) BCEDA – BC Economic Development Association Board – 5 yrs
4) VIEA – Vancouver Island Economic Alliance – 5 yrs
Trevor launched Cootes (Hiiyiqhsath) Consulting Corp in April 2023. He has worked with the First Nations Business Development Association, Okimaw HR & Community Solutions, Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, and Indigenomics. Trevor is also a vice president and Board Member with BCIHS.
In our culture we have a philosophy, “everything learnt is meant to be taught” a teaching shared my our Tyii Hawiih (hereditary chief) speaker Qiica Qiica (Rob Dennis Jr) A form of teaching is through story telling. I created a film company to achieve this. I am currently working on a paddling film that shares my families story and our connection to the sea the land and our ancestors.
With over 25 years of experience in Indigenous Economic Development, how does Cootes Consulting effectively integrate Indigenous governance and values with the structures of western government and business to drive success in your projects?
At Cootes Consulting, our approach to integrating the Indigenous worldview with Western governance and business structures is rooted in respect and mutual understanding. We recognize that Indigenous governance is deeply connected to traditional knowledge, hereditary systems, and community well-being. To ensure that these elements are preserved and honored, we work closely with Indigenous leadership, including the Hawiih(hereditary leaders), to ensure that their perspectives are at the forefront of any project. We then align these perspectives with the regulatory and business frameworks of Western governance. This dual approach allows us to create strategies that not only meet compliance and business goals but also resonate with the cultural and socio-economic objectives of the Indigenous communities we serve. The success of our projects lies in this careful balance, where Indigenous values are not compromised but rather integrated into the broader goals of economic development.
Cootes Consulting has consistently prioritized the integration of Indigenous governance and values with Western business structures by adopting a holistic and community-centered approach. For instance, when I was a member of the Huuayaht Executive Council. In the Kwispaa LNG project, the co-management framework between Steelhead LNG and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations was pivotal. This project, unique in Canada, was driven by a co-management relationship that respected both Indigenous governance and Western business standards. The involvement of hereditary leaders alongside elected representatives ensured that decisions reflected both cultural values and economic objectives. This approach was further reflected in the Cawak-qin LP Forestry initiative, where a $100 million deal was secured, making Huu-ay-aht the majority owner in a significant forestry operation. By ensuring Indigenous leadership played a central role in governance, the project aligned with both community values and Western legal frameworks, leading to sustainable economic growth
As the leader of the Indigenous Forestry Conference (IFC), I have applied this approach on a large scale, ensuring that the conference reflects the values and priorities of Indigenous communities while fostering collaboration with non-Indigenous partners. This same approach is mirrored in my work with the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) program committee, where I lead the Indigenous stream, ensuring that Indigenous voices and values are central to the region’s economic development discussions.
Can you share some insights on how Cootes Consulting approaches the development of economic and reconciliation projects, particularly within the context of your work with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations?
Using the Kiixin Tourism Strategy as part of the Huu-ay-aht Economic Development Plan in conjunction with the recent Bamfield property acquisitions presents a significant opportunity for the Nation. The Kiixin Tourism Strategy is already designed to position Bamfield and Kiixin as central pillars of Huu-ay-aht’s tourism offerings. By integrating this strategy with the acquired properties—such as motels, lodges, and pubs—the Huu-ay-aht can enhance the quality and diversity of their tourism offerings. This strategic alignment will create a more comprehensive and appealing visitor experience that draws tourists to stay longer and invest more in the local economy.
Moreover, the Kiixin brand phrase “Journey with Our Ancestors” will be incorporated into the marketing and operation of these properties, ensuring a culturally rich and cohesive experience. This integration will not only improve the visitor experience but also drive significant economic growth. The improvements to the Bamfield Road, funded by the Province of BC, will increase accessibility and visitor traffic, further enhancing the economic impact on the community. By focusing on cultural integration, enhanced visitor experiences, and community engagement, the Huu-ay-aht can position Bamfield as a premier destination on the Pacific West Coast, fostering long-term sustainability and economic prosperity.
Furthermore, leading the Indigenous stream in the VIEA program committee has provided additional opportunities to approach reconciliation in a structured and impactful way. Through this role, I’ve been able to champion initiatives that integrate Indigenous perspectives into broader economic strategies, ensuring that reconciliation is a tangible outcome of our work. By securing a draft EPA, we also demonstrate our commitment to creating sustainable, long-term economic benefits that align with the environmental and cultural values of the Huu-ay-aht people.
Cootes Consulting’s approach to economic and reconciliation projects is deeply informed by my experience with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, particularly in large-scale initiatives like the Sarita Run of the River project. This project was not just about economic development; it was also about aligning with Huu-ay-aht’s values of environmental stewardship and community well-being. By securing a draft Energy Purchase Agreement (EPA) with BC Hydro, we ensured that the project would provide sustainable energy while also bringing significant economic benefits to the community. The project also highlighted the importance of consultation with both hereditary and elected leaders, ensuring that all voices were heard and that the project aligned with the long-term vision of the Huu-ay-aht people.
Building and strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is central to your work. What strategies have you found most effective in achieving lasting economic prosperity through these relationships?
The cornerstone of building strong relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is mutual respect and a shared vision for the future. At Cootes Consulting, we start by facilitating open and transparent communication, which was key in the development of the Cawak-qin LP Forestry initiative. This project involved not only securing a major deal but also ensuring that the partnership with Western Forest Products was built on trust and mutual benefits. By emphasizing shared governance and decision-making, we created a partnership that allowed Huu-ay-aht to have a significant voice in the management of forest resources.
A particularly effective strategy has been the creation of a First Nations Advisory Council, which we established to enable First Nations within Tree Farm License (TFL) 44 to participate actively in the forestry management process. This council provided a platform for these Nations to voice their concerns, contribute to decision-making, and ultimately have the option to invest capital at a later stage. This inclusive approach has fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among the participating Nations, ensuring that economic benefits are shared and that the partnerships are aligned with Indigenous values and goals.
Another effective strategy is fostering direct economic collaborations, such as those facilitated through the Indigenous Forestry Conference. By bringing together Indigenous leaders and industry professionals, we create opportunities for meaningful economic engagement that benefits all parties involved. The conference’s focus on workshops, panel discussions, and one-on-one business matching has proven to be a successful formula for building lasting economic partnerships.
My role in leading the IFC and participating in the VIEA committee underscores our dedication to fostering these relationships on a broader scale. By bringing together diverse stakeholders in these forums, we create the conditions for long-term prosperity that respects and uplifts Indigenous communities.
In your experience, what are the most significant challenges Indigenous businesses face when navigating both Indigenous and Western business landscapes, and how does Cootes Consulting help them overcome these obstacles?
One of the most significant challenges Indigenous businesses face is the duality of operating within both Indigenous and Western business paradigms. This often involves navigating different governance structures, legal frameworks, and cultural expectations. For example, in the Kwispaa LNG project, navigating the complexities of Western regulatory frameworks while maintaining the integrity of Indigenous governance was a significant challenge. To overcome this, we implemented a co-management model that respected both Indigenous governance and Western business practices, setting a precedent for future projects.
For too long, First Nations have faced significant barriers in accessing capital for large-scale projects. This lack of access has often stalled or limited the potential for economic growth and development within Indigenous communities. My past experience, coupled with a robust network of connections to capital, including relationships with major banks and financial institutions, has enabled me to bridge this gap. By tailoring my services to address these specific challenges, I’ve been able to facilitate access to necessary funding for First Nations, allowing them to participate fully in large-scale projects.
This is particularly evident in my work with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, where I’ve leveraged my network to secure financing and investment opportunities that align with Indigenous values and long-term goals. My approach not only fills the gap in accessing capital but also ensures that the terms of financing are fair, transparent, and supportive of Indigenous self-determination. By working closely with financial institutions, I help design financing packages that meet the unique needs of Indigenous businesses, ensuring they have the capital necessary to drive successful and sustainable projects.
Given your extensive background in leadership and management within the Indigenous community, how do you ensure that the partnerships and alliances you build through Cootes Consulting remain aligned with the core values and long-term goals of Indigenous communities?
Ensuring alignment with the core values and long-term goals of Indigenous communities is central to the work we do at Cootes Consulting. A prime example of this is my work with the First Nations Business Development Association (FNBDA). As the Vancouver Island Regional Business Liaison, I played a key role in supporting First Nation Development Corporations (FNDCs) across the region. This involved conducting assessments to understand the unique needs and challenges of each FNDC, and providing tailored capacity-building services to help them navigate policy changes, access funding, and identify strategic investment opportunities.
Throughout this process, I ensured that the support provided was not just about immediate economic gains but also about fostering long-term sustainability and alignment with the cultural and socio-economic objectives of the communities involved. By focusing on governance, strategic planning, and building long-term capacity, we helped FNDCs develop in ways that respected their cultural values and community goals. This approach ensures that the partnerships and alliances we build are not only economically viable but also deeply rooted in the values and aspirations of the Indigenous communities we serve.
Moreover, my work with the FNBDA has involved creating and fostering working relationships with various stakeholders, including government and industry partners. These partnerships are carefully curated to align with the long-term goals of the Indigenous communities, ensuring that they have a meaningful say in the economic development processes that affect them. By supporting Indigenous participation in all industry sectors and helping them build strong, self-sustaining businesses, Cootes Consulting ensures that the partnerships and alliances we facilitate are aligned with the core values and long-term goals of the communities we work with
