Mission company wins Indigenous Business Award

Seven Generations Environmental Services in Mission was named Business Partnership of the Year for the 2024 Indigenous Business Awards.

The winners of the 16th annual Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program were announced by the BC Achievement Foundation in a news release last Tuesday (Aug. 13) 

The awards honour the achievements of Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, partnership entities, and community-owned enterprises.

“SGES Ltd., is honoured to receive the award for Business Partnership of the Year Award for 2024.  SGES Ltd., is 100 per cent Indigenous Owned and Operated by 6 First Nations in the Sto:lo Territory.  Our company has been in business since 2011,” SGES project coordinator Christine Decrick said in a statement. 

Seven Generations Environmental Services (SGES) is an environmental services company owned by six Stólō First Nations communities: Sq’ewá:lxw First Nation; Chi’yaqtel First Nation; Yeqwyeqwí:ws First Nation; Leq’á:mel First Nation; Áthelets First Nation, and Sq’ewqéyl First Nation.

It was established as a result of an Impacts Benefit Agreement with BC Hydro for their Interior to Lower Mainland Transmission Project. This hydro project provided an economic opportunity for Stólō communities to participate in a major project within their territory, leading to the formation of SGES/Seven Generations Environmental Services Ltd.

“SGES was founded upon the traditional and cultural values of their Stó:lō owners and is dedicated to sustaining natural resources and the environment for future generations. The company aims to become a leading Indigenous-owned provider of environmental monitoring and site restoration services in BC. With a team of environmental professionals, SGES offers services including environmental consulting, construction and infrastructure monitoring, compliance monitoring programs, and planting and restoration. The company’s core values include building Indigenous capacity through education and training, promoting self-reliance, and developing creative economic strategies,” a news release reads. 

BC Achievement Foundation chair Walter Pela said this year’s recipients demonstrate remarkable entrepreneurship, show an unyielding commitment to driving economic growth and fostering community well-being.

“Their accomplishments serve as a powerful reminder of the significant impact Indigenous businesses have in shaping a prosperous and inclusive future for all British Columbians. BC Achievement is pleased to serve as a platform to showcase these business leaders,” Pela said. 

The recipients will be recognized in a formal gala ceremony open to the public on Oct. 7 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.