Honouring NEDC’s achievements and partnership

On November 7, PWRDF attended the 40th anniversary of the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) in Parksville, B.C. PWRDF has partnered with NEDC since 1997 to support language reclamation and Indigenous business.

The event featured a gala dinner and a full-day workshop on First Nations governance, facilitated by Dr. Manley Begay, a citizen of the Navajo Nation (Arizona). Dr. Begay, an expert in Indigenous nation-building, specializes in sovereignty, governance, culture, leadership, education, and economic development. His key message emphasized the critical role of Indigenous language and culture, stressing that strong leadership is rooted in community identity and guided by a long-term strategic vision: “Being strong in terms of identity, relying on where you come from, the strengths of your home, your family, and your teachings, provides the foundation to tackle new and different challenges. Knowing who you are is key to understanding your place in the world.”

In the evening, a memorable dinner was served featuring local recipes and a standout dish of delicious salmon. Guests enjoyed traditional Nuu-chah-nulth drumming, cultural dancing and inspiring speeches. A highlight of the evening was hearing from leaders and entrepreneurs across the 14 Nuu-chah-nulth communities, who expressed their gratitude to NEDC for its ongoing support. Their stories underscored how NEDC’s approach — combining expertise, technical support, and respectful service — has been instrumental in the growth of local businesses. NEDC’s staff has consistently embraced new business ideas, offering thoughtful coaching and creating a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs.

During the anniversary event, I was honoured to speak on behalf of PWRDF, acknowledging the significance of NEDC’s 40 years of impact and expressing our deep gratitude for being part of this historic milestone. I was joined by my colleague, Jackie Koster, Director of Programs and Partnerships. We also had the opportunity to meet with Al Little, NEDC’s General Manager, to explore new opportunities for collaboration.

A Shared Commitment to Community Wellbeing

Our partnership is grounded in shared values of respect, innovation, and a commitment to the wellbeing of Indigenous communities. Over the years, we have witnessed NEDC’s vision come to life in powerful ways. From facilitating international exchanges with the Māori peoples of New Zealand (1997) and the Nahuatl peoples of Mexico (1999), NEDC has fostered meaningful cross-cultural relationships and created business opportunities that transcend borders. These exchanges have deepened our understanding of the strength and resilience of Indigenous economies and cultures worldwide.

In 2002, PWRDF proudly supported NEDC’s Nuu-chah-nulth language and culture program, which continues to play a vital role in revitalizing cultural pride and identity across 14 Nuu-chah-nulth communities. We are particularly inspired by the innovative ways these communities have used technology to preserve and promote their language, honouring ancestral knowledge while embracing modern tools.

More recently, PWRDF has also been proud to support the Youth Business Fund, which fosters entrepreneurship and business development among Indigenous youth. This initiative represents an investment not only in economic empowerment but also in the future of Indigenous leadership. By supporting young people as they explore their talents and entrepreneurial dreams, NEDC is helping to ensure a strong and resilient future for Indigenous communities.

During the anniversary event, a Nuu-chah-nulth woman approached me to express her gratitude for PWRDF’s contribution to the Youth Business Fund. She shared that her 12-year-old daughter started a small business making soft, chewy fruit candy. Now, at 14, her business generates over $40,000 annually. This success story exemplifies the transformative potential of supporting youth entrepreneurship and the far-reaching effects of partnerships like ours.

Looking Ahead

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to NEDC, its leadership, and the 14 Nuu-chah-nulth communities for their creativity, vision, and dedication to growth and success. At PWRDF, we are deeply grateful for this enduring partnership and proud to walk alongside NEDC on this journey. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and continued success.