Business Awards

Our Business Award Winners

Our business award winners are clients of ANTCO in which each award honors excellence and inspires achievement in Indigenous business and entrepreneurship throughout the province. We are pleased to be able to provide four (4) awards each year.

Business of the Year 2025 Winner

Valvoline Express Care & Auto Service Centre

We are proud to recognize Valvoline Express Care & Auto Service Centre as this year’s
Business of the Year. In September 2024, Nkyap Enterprises Limited Partnership,
operating as Valvoline Express Care & Auto Service Centre, opened its doors in
Lillooet, BC. This marked Xaxli’p Development Corporations first off-reserve
business investment, made possible with support from All Nations Trust Company..

This much-needed service has been well-received by residents of Lillooet and
surrounding St’át’imc communities. In just eight months of operation, the business
has exceeded expectations, with appointments booked weeks in advance.

Nkyap Enterprises currently employs 10 full-time staff and creates valuable training opportunities for Xaxli’p members interested in entering the Red Seal Auto Mechanic Program. The business not only supports local employment but also fosters long-term skills development within the community.

Looking ahead, Nkyap Enterprises plans to expand its services in the coming year by adding a heavy-duty mechanical bay and a full-service car wash. This exciting growth reflects the success of the venture and Xaxli’p Development Corporation’s ongoing commitment to economic development and community prosperity.

Xaxli’p Development Corporations | Valvoline Express Care & Auto Service Centre

Dolly Krugar | Silversky Cradle & Casket

Female Business of the Year 2025 Winner

Silversky Cradle & Casket

Dolly Kruger, a proud member of the Penticton Indian Band, has been named the 2025 ANTCO Female Business of the Year Award Recipient. Born and raised on a working ranch in the Okanagan Valley, Dolly is a re-elected council member and a respected leader in her community.

Dolly has had an extraordinary year. She was awarded the $10,000 RBC Emerging Indigenous Filmmaker Award for her short film on traditional Indigenous stick games, chosen from over 70 national applicants.

All Nations Trust Company had the opportunity to sponsor the 2024 Kamloopa Pow Wow Pitch and Dolly also showcased her entrepreneurial spirit. In collaboration with CFDC of CIFN and ANTCO, they announced Dolly was the winner of the pitch competition at Kamloopa Pow Wow for her business, Silversky Cradle & Casket. She then advanced to the Grand Finale, where she placed second overall among contestants from across Turtle Island.

With over 25 years of experience in the male-dominated construction and carpentry industry, Dolly transitioned into a deeply personal new venture. After the sudden passing of her eldest son in 2011, she was moved to create more meaningful, culturally aligned funeral options. This inspired the launch of Silversky Cradle & Casket, offering personalized, hand-crafted caskets and urns that honour Indigenous traditions. She is also passionate about preserving and revitalizing her culture and traditions by crafting newborn baby cradle boards.

Dolly is committed to passing her knowledge to youth in her community, ensuring the continuation of cultural values and skills. Her resilience, leadership, and creativity make her a true inspiration.

Stewardship Award 2025 Winner

Thinnber Chipping Ltd.

Thinnber Chipping Ltd., stewardship lies at the heart of everything they do. As a forestry and fibre utilization company, their mission is to ensure that the forest resources we depend on are preserved, protected, and wisely used, not just for today, but for future generations. They believe that sustainability means more than replanting trees; it means making the most of every tree harvested and reducing waste in every step of the process.

Their business transforms logging debris often discarded or burned, into valuable wood chips used for clean energy production. By doing so, they reduce harmful emissions, prevent unnecessary slash burning, and turn what was once considered waste into a source of renewable energy and economic opportunity.

They proudly utilize 100% of the forest material from each logging operation, ensuring no fibre is wasted. This not only protects the environment but also promotes a circular economy in the forestry sector. Their commitment extends beyond the forest floor, with a focus on job creation, long-term employment, and youth engagement in forestry careers.

Thinnber Chipping Ltd. is more than a business, it’s a promise to treat the land with respect, use its resources responsibly, and build a better, cleaner future for our communities. Stewardship isn’t just their practice; it’s their purpose.

Craig Anderson | Thinnber Chipping Ltd.

Tresyre Nash | Liquid Sunshine Cafe

Youth Business of the Year 2025 Winner

Liquid Sunshine Cafe

We are proud to recognize Liquid Sunshine Café, founded by Indigenous youth entrepreneur Tresyre Nash, as this year’s Youth Business of the Year. This award celebrates an outstanding young entrepreneur who demonstrates vision, leadership, and commitment to both business excellence and community impact—and Tresyre exemplifies all of these qualities.

Liquid Sunshine Café is a groovy, mobile café founded by Tresyre Nash in July of 2024. In just 6 months the business had surpassed its projections. Based in Bella Coola, BC, it stands out as the only café in the Bella Coola Valley that operates year-round. Conveniently located near the residential, tourist, and business centre—right on the valley’s only in-out road—it offers easy access for both locals and visitors.

Specializing in handcrafted espresso and tea beverages, smoothies, homemade baked goods, and rotating breakfast/lunch specials, the café emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. It also caters to diverse dietary needs with vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options.

Sustainability is at the heart of Liquid Sunshine Café’s mission. The business uses only compostable to-go packaging and runs a rewards program to encourage customers to bring reusable cups. Local produce is prioritized whenever available, strengthening ties with area farmers and producers.

The café is not only a local favourite, but also a versatile presence at major community events, festivals, and private functions. Tresyre knows what is needed to be done by operating year-round, it provides a consistent, welcoming space for the community to gather and connect. Liquid Sunshine Café is committed to long-term sustainability—both environmentally and economically—while continuing to serve as a safe, inclusive space and reliable hub in the valley.