BCBusiness
Mindy Wight, CEO of Nch’ḵay Development Corporation, is a winner in the Community Builders category of the 2025 Women of the Year Awards
When Mindy Wight was first asked if she was interested in the role of CFO at Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation—the economic development arm of the Squamish Nation—her answer was practical. “Of course, I said no,” the now-CEO says with a laugh. At the time, she was already serving on the Nch’ḵay̓ board, and was also a full-time partner at accounting firm MNP. Despite the initial hesitation, it was inarguable that the CPA and Squamish Nation member, with extensive experience working with First Nations governments across the country as well as Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs, would be an excellent fit. When asked again, she couldn’t help thinking about one of Nch’ḵay̓ ̓’s fundamental values: “giving back to the community wherever, whenever and however possible.” This was, without any doubt, a chance to give back.
Wight stepped into CFO role in the fall of 2021, and just over half a year later became interim CEO. By fall 2022, she was all in, and officially the CEO of Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation. Today, Nch’ḵay̓ is best known for Sen̓áḵw, an 11-tower development project (in partnership with Westbank) at the south end of Vancouver’s Burrard Street Bridge. Pre-settlers, the site was an ancestral Squamish Nation village—but the location isn’t the only thing that makes Sen̓áḵw groundbreaking. Wight explains that consultation with the Squamish community has been essential in every step of the project. The construction process is bound to an Indigenous Participation Plan, which requires project partners and subtrades to employ Squamish people. The commercial spaces in the Nch’ḵay̓ towers will involve preferential procurement for Squamish-owned businesses. The physical project itself is enormous, but its significance in terms of reconciliation, Indigenous leadership and community care is even greater. “I’m really proud of how the Squamish Nation has advanced itself and has really solidified itself as a leader in this space,” says Wight.
When it comes to her own leadership style, the CEO (who also serves on the board of Cedar Leaf Capital) says she works collaboratively, transparently and openly—“they’re the same values that Squamish embodies in leadership, and that’s what we aspire to do at Nch’ḵay̓ as well.” Wight grew up off-reserve in Prince George and feels her role at the development corporation is a bit of a homecoming. She’s dedicated to giving others that same chance—not just for economic growth, but also for meaningful connection. “Just like myself, there are other people who may be able to come back to the community through the opportunities that Nch’ḵay̓ creates,” she says.
Discover our full list of 21 BCBusiness 2025 Women of the Year award winners here.