About yáqʷa Development Corporation

yáqʷa was established in 2024 as the economic development arm of the Haisla (x̄á’isla) Nation to empower our Nation with the resources required to build a powerful and proud community, healthy in mind, body and spirit.

While the definition of yáqʷa is simple – to share or give away – the meaning has deep symbolism within Haisla culture and tradition in which sharing our resources with, and beyond, our Nation is fundamental to who we are as people.

We strive for excellence in every aspect of our economic development and are now actively recruiting to expand our Board of Directors.

Overview of Board Responsibilities

The yáqʷa Development Corporation Board of Directors is responsible for providing strategic leadership, governance oversight, and fiduciary accountability to ensure yáqʷa fulfills its mandate of advancing economic self-sufficiency, community benefit, and sustainable growth for the Haisla Nation.

The Board collectively guides yáqʷa’s long-term vision, approves key policies, budgets, and strategic initiatives, and monitors performance to ensure transparency, integrity, and cultural alignment.

Directors serve as stewards of the corporation’s assets and reputation, safeguarding the interests of both the shareholder and community while ensuring decisions are made in accordance with strong governance practices and yáqʷa’s guiding values.

Working in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, the Board oversees business development, financial stewardship, and risk management across all subsidiaries. Directors are expected to provide informed, independent judgment and contribute expertise in areas such as governance, finance, investment, infrastructure, operations, or community development.

Each Director upholds yáqʷa’s commitment to ethical leadership, accountability, and respect, ensuring that corporate decisions reflect both sound business principles and the cultural integrity of the Haisla people.

Independent Board Director with Major Development Expertise: Overview of Role

Purpose of Role
This position will provide strategic oversight and expertise in evaluating, sourcing, and executing large-scale investment opportunities, with a particular focus on infrastructure, real estate, and economic development initiatives aligned with the corporation’s mandate.

Prerequisites

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience at the VP or C-suite level in partnerships, investment management, large-scale infrastructure, real estate, private equity, or development.
• Proven ability to source, structure, and successfully execute high-value commercial transactions or capital partnerships.
• Demonstrated underwriting and due diligence leadership (commercial, technical, Indigenous/community, ESG), capital structuring (equity, debt, and structured/project finance), and negotiation through to close.
• Demonstrated experience in building and scaling a business or investment platform (asset).
• Acumen to assess the merits and risks of investment and development opportunities.
• Prior board or governance experience considered a strong asset.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and risk assessment capabilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, cross-cultural communication abilities, and effective engagement with rightsholders.
• Familiarity with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment principles.
• Ability to align investment decisions with both corporate strategy and Indigenous community values.
• Designations/assets: CFA, P.Eng./P.Geo. with project finance exposure considered an asset
• ICD.D considered an asset.

Cultural & Community Alignment

• Strong understanding of Indigenous rights, governance, and socioeconomic aspirations across Canada; experience engaging rightsholders and external partners to align commercial outcomes with community values.
• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Canada.

Please apply by submitting your resume to: hr@yaqwadevcorp.com

Application Deadline: October 31, 2025