Call for Artists – Help us rebrand Kitimat Valley Institute
Calling all Haisla artists - Help us rebrand Kitimat Valley Institute January 21, 2026 Background Haisla Nation acquired the land and training facility where Kitimat Valley Institute (KVI) is located from Coast Mountain School District #82 in 2010. As of 2024, this asset is managed by yáqʷa, Haisla Nation’s economic development corporation. KVI actively supports the education and training of Haisla Members, as well as workers and others related to major industry in Haisla traditional territory. As part of yáqʷa’s management of the asset, upgrades to the facility are underway to ensure it continues to provide a stable source of[...]
Haisla Nation Weekly Report – Member Employment Opportunities (Jan. 16, 2026)
Connecting Haisla members with employment opportunities Every week, Haisla Nation Education & Training Department shares job opportunities in and around our region to help Haisla Members discover meaningful employment. Please see below current opportunities as of January 16, 2026 from Haisla Nation Employment & Training. 💼 To learn more about current openings, see below and visit Haisla Nation's website here 📧 Email Haisla Nation Employment & Training Coordinator at employment@haisla.ca ---- If you would like to see a complete job description from the list below or have any inquiries regarding the job leads, please email our Employment & Training Coordinator[...]
Meet Kirsten Ryan
yáqʷa Development Corporation is pleased to welcome Kirsten Ryan to our team as Manager of Corporate & Employment Services. Kirsten joins yáqʷa from Haisla Nation where for more than 9 years she led the structuring and growth of the Nation’s Employment & Training Department. Kirsten’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental in shaping incredible workforce opportunities for Haisla members, including with major projects and joint venture partnerships led by yáqʷa. Kirsten joins yáqʷa at a pivotal time of growth during which time we will greatly benefit from her administrative and organizational expertise, while we continue to identify opportunities to deliver[...]
Our Team is Growing – Meet Wendy Tewnion
yáqʷa Development Corporation is pleased to welcome Wendy Tewnion to our team. In the newly created role of Manager, Business Operations, Wendy is responsible for managing the day to day operations of yáqʷa’s existing real estate assets and businesses, ensuring seamless service and operations, and supporting employees. Wendy was born and raised in Kitimat, and was excited to return to her hometown in 2020. She brings a wealth of experience to yáqʷa, including business & brand development, marketing strategy, and operations management. Wendy will work closely with our Business Development team to identify opportunities to expand and enhance our current[...]
yáqʷa acquires Permits and Assets related to Kitimat LNG
Nov. 17, 2025 yáqʷa Development Corporation is pleased to announce the finalization of an agreement with Chevron Canada last month, that will see permits and other assets related to Kitimat LNG be transferred under our control for the sole benefit of Haisla Nation. Chevron has worked with the Haisla Nation since 2011 to pursue the development of an LNG facility at Bish Cove. However, in 2022 Chevron and their partner Woodside made the decision to exit their proposed Kitimat LNG Project. Prior to their divestment, Chevron invested hundreds of millions of dollars in developing the proposed project, including widening and[...]
Gizuá Market Update – September 2025
Gizuá Market & Restaurant Update Gizuá Market continued the tradition this summer of providing a spot for meets, eats and treats. The Slush Puppy and Fro Yo machines were working overtime to help us cool down on some pretty hot days, and our team continued to add new and exciting products to meet our customers’ needs. As the sun sets on another great summer, and with a new season upon us, we wanted to share an update on our operations and plans for the future. We recognize some of these changes couldn’t come soon enough and so we thank you[...]
Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI): Restaurant Operator
Seeking an Operator for restaurant at former Seamaster’s location in x̄á'isla Village, B.C. August 6, 2025: yáqʷa Development Corporation is seeking expressions of interest from parties interested in leasing and operating a restaurant within x̄á'isla community, specifically at the newly acquired Sunrise General Merchandise Building in x̄á'isla Village, British Columbia. The building will be divided in two sections, with one half being occupied by Gizuá Market and the other half to be renovated and turned back into a restaurant. We are seeking a qualified operator to collaborate with yáqʷa Development Corporation to develop a new concept for the restaurant, in[...]
Haisla Nation Weekly Report – Member Employment Opportunities (July 25, 2025)
Connecting Haisla members with employment opportunities Every week, Haisla Nation Education & Training Department shares job opportunities in and around our region to help Haisla Members discover meaningful employment. 💼 To learn more about current openings, visit Haisla Nation's website here 📧 Email Haisla Nation Employment & Training Coordinator at employment@haisla.ca
Gizuá Market Update – June 2025
BACKGROUND The Sunrise General Store has had a long and rich history in x̄á’isla Village for decades. As part of yáqʷa Economic Development’s acquisition and management of the building, our goal has been to sustainably transform the store and restaurant spaces to offer modern and welcoming amenities for our community and visitors. Since the building was acquired in 2024, here’s what we’ve done: Rebranded the Sunrise General Store to Gizuá Market Launched a call for artists to design a ne w logo for the Market Launched a search for a new operator for the restaurant space Worked with an architect,[...]
Haisla Centre Update – Spring 2025
Read our Spring 2025 Update here, and watch the video. As yáqʷa Development Corporation advances planning for the next phase of the Haisla Centre Project, we want to make sure the community is informed about site activities and future plans. The following provides an update on current activities and next steps. To receive updates, please follow us on Facebook or email us at info@yaqwadevcorp.com. Overview of Current Activities Road and site work will be coming to an end in late spring/ early summer at Haisla Centre getting us one step closer to our ultimate goal. The Master Plan Consultant has[...]
