Indigenous Leadership @ Vancouver, BC

Episode of Drumbeats, the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit

Chief Derek Epp of Tzeachten First Nation shares his journey as a leader, balancing economic development and community needs. He emphasizes transparency, sustainable growth, and the importance of reclaiming autonomy through effective governance. Chief Epp's efforts include affordable housing, fostering Indigenous partnerships, advocating for tax rights, and breaking stigmas surrounding resource projects. His leadership exemplifies strategic planning, collaboration, and dedication to improving the socio-economic well-being of Indigenous communities.

Dr. Eric Crampton highlights the success of Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten) First Nation in achieving economic self-determination through governance of their own land. Under Chief Derek Epp, the community transitioned from federal dependency to self-sufficiency by leveraging tax, zoning, and regulatory authority to fund infrastructure, restore traditional practices, and attract residents. Their autonomy serves as a model for addressing housing crises and advancing Māori freehold land development in New Zealand, showcasing how self-governance fosters innovation and community growth.

Chief Derek Epp shares how Ch'iyáqtel (Tzeachten) First Nation achieved autonomy through fiscal reform, transforming dependency into revenue and restoring traditional practices.

The Ch’iyáqtel (Tzeachten First Nation) in Chilliwack has added 50 acres of ancestral land to its reserve, marking a significant milestone in reclaiming traditional territory. Chief Derek Epp emphasized the importance of this acquisition in addressing historical injustices, securing sustainable growth, and planning for future infrastructure, housing, and public spaces. The Nation is working with the federal government and the City of Chilliwack to develop a master plan for the land, focusing on community needs and long-term growth.

In this video, we explore the incredible progress of Tzeachten Nation’s Sustainable Food Security Initiative, a project made possible by the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty (IFS) Grant. Located in Chilliwack at Tzeachten's first farm, this initiative is all about ensuring year-round access to fresh, organic food for community members—picked by the community, for the community.

New affordable rental homes are on the way for Indigenous peoples in Chilliwack, with construction starting on 23 homes on the Tzeachten First Nation reserve.

Ch’íyáqtel began their community garden in 2018 and promote it within their community to increase awareness and interest in food production.