Squiala First Nation Chief David Jimmie recognized as Indigenous business visionary
CHILLIWACK — Acclaimed Squiala First Nation Chief David Jimmie of Chilliwack has been recognized by the B.C. Achievement Foundation as one of its eight recipients of the 2022 Indigenous Business Award.
According to a statement issued Monday (Oct. 3) by the foundation, Chief Jimmie has lent his expertise to establish growth opportunities while serving his community and the organizations which sustain it. He is chief and CEO of Squiala First Nation, president of the Stó:lō Nation Chiefs Council, and president of Ts’elxweyéqw Tribe Management Limited. He also serves as chair and vice president of finance for the Western Indigenous Pipeline Group, and is the owner-operator as a licensed residential builder of DJC (DJimmie Construction).
Before he was first elected chief of Squiala First Nation in 2009, DJC built 224 homes and 175 apartment units for communities in Chilliwack and Westbank. DJC is currently building 309 townhouse units and a 200-unit condo project at Base 10 in Chilliwack, along with 108 townhouse units and a 215-unit condo project at Shelter Bay in Westbank. Chief Jimmie’s ability to forge relationships and bridge the gap between groups has created economic spinoffs and partnerships that have been valuable for each of the organizations he works with to diversify revenue streams, the foundation wrote.
With an MBA from Simon Fraser University, Chief Jimmie’s efforts focus on creating partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups. His traditional name, Lenéx wí :ót, meaning “One who works for the people”, embodies his leadership philosophy as he believes strong relationships are key to creating capacity for his people, according to the foundation.
