Managing Tsartlip FN's economic development and business operations; maintaining accountability to membership
Tsartlip Group of Companies: Who Are We?
The Tsartlip Group of Companies (TGoC) is the business operations and economic development arm of the Tsartlip First Nation (W̱ JOȽEȽP) in Brentwood Bay, BC, and was formed in 2023.
Since early 2024, there has been a strategic movement to build a sustainable organization, growing the business organically and inorganically, diversifying the corporation, increasing capacity and providing the Tsartlip with a proud sustainable economic development business across the region. Initiatives already include fuel, property development, agriculture, environmental and technology.
Companies include:
Tsartlip Fuel & Convenience
March 18, 2025
MARK FREEBORN JOINS TSARTLIP FUEL & CONVENIENCE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AS MANAGER
Brentwood Bay, BC: The Tsartlip Group of Companies Limited Partnership (TGoC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Freeborn as its Manager, Tsartlip Fuel & Convenience.
Mark Freeborn has recently joined TGOC, holding the role of Manager, Tsartlip Fuel & Convenience (TF&C). Mark’s primary objectives are to improve the overall profitability of the retail operation and assist in future expansions. To achieve these goals, Mark oversees the daily operations, human resources, inventory management, merchandising, and product assortment selection of TF&C.
Mark spent several years managing retail stores in the Specialty Outdoor Sporting Goods market. Mark studied Enterprise Development at Camosun College, has completed the Canadian Professional Sales Training program, and is currently in his final semester of the Bachelor of Commerce program at Thompson Rivers University, OL Learning.
Mark lives and plays in Brentwood Bay with his two Metis children. Outside work, he can be found coaching the children’s sports, fishing, hunting, boating, rock climbing, ski touring, or working on home improvement projects.
september 16, 2024
TSARTLIP GROUP OF COMPANIES GP LTD ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTORS JOINING THE BOARD
Brentwood Bay, BC: The Tsartlip Group of Companies General Partnership (TGoC) is pleased to announce the appointment of four (4) additional directors to its expanded board adding to a slate of 5 current directors. After a comprehensive search by the CEO, the Board of Directors and Tsartlip First Nation Chief & Council (Tsartlip FN C&C) to identify individuals who would best suit the needs of the current board and the management team, the Tsartlip FN C&C have appointed the following individuals:
Deborah Bowman is recently retired from the BC government where she was a senior level executive for over 20 years. During that time, Deborah worked closely with a variety of boards of directors in the transportation sector as well as chairing and being a member of several internal boards across government. Her expertise includes leading and developing high-performing teams, building partnerships, strategic planning, policy and program development, issues management, stakeholder relations, intergovernmental relations and communications. During her tenure in the provincial government, Deborah held positions as Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) at the ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the BC Public Service Agency as well as roles in a variety of ministries at the Executive Director and Communications Director level.
Will Morris is a member of the Tsartlip community and has been the head of the Marine Stewardship Program for the Tsartlip FN for the past two years. He was previously the Manager of the Lands, Resources and Economic Development Department in Tseycum for 5 years. Will has a passion for self-determination for the Tsartlip FN. He has a passion to assist the TGoC succeed in the business environment and has shown his skills as a collaborative and critical thinker. Will was a member of the Tsartlip FN C&C for several years and has experience and knowledge in indigenous business, organizational strategy, innovative ideas, indigenous governance, risk, marine safety and security. Will’s education includes Indigenous Lands Management Certification from the University of Saskatchewan and an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Indigenous Studies at the University of Victoria.
Gordon Elliott is also a member of the Tsartlip Community and has been appointed to replace Chief Don Tom who has stepped down from his TGoC board position. Gord has many facets of management experience and is the Director of Operations for the W̱ SÁNEĆ Leadership Council and the Operations Manager for the W̱ SÁNEĆ School Board, where he has served as a director for 30 years. He has been on the Tsartlip Chief & Council the past 12 years. He has been involved in many Tsartlip FN and business projects across the region. Gord’s knowledge of business endeavours and other W̱ SÁNEĆ First Nations will add to the success of the board.
These new directors add to the current slate of four directors:
Adam Olsen ... Chair
Jeanine Cooper
Fiona Morgan
Michael Pucci
The TGoC is very excited with these new additions to the board and the work that will be done with the existing directors. The board has high expectations for continued success of the Tsartlip Group of Companies as it enters a crucial time of growth of the business entities. Congratulations to Deborah, Will and Gordon on your appointment to the Tsartlip Group of Companies Board of Directors!
August 8, 2024
Tsartlip Group of Companies 1st Annual Business Review Meeting
W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) Community Members are invited: Tsartlip Group of Companies 1st Annual Business Review Meeting
Wednesday, August 21st, 2024
W̱SÁNEĆ School Board Gymnasium
Community Dinner at 5:00 pm Business Review Meeting 6:00 pm
Business Results of 2023-24 … Plans for 2024 and Beyond!
Accomplished new Board of Directors will guide Tsartlip Group of Companies to future success
The Tsartlip Group of Companies (TGC) is getting a leadership upgrade this Summer.
TGC is the umbrella organization that oversees Tsartlip’s businesses, including the Tsartlip Pump and Tsartlip Construction. In order to better identify and execute on new economic opportunities, an impressive new Board of Directors has recently been appointed by Chief and Council.
Tsartlip made the decision to restructure after consulting with MNP, a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm in Canada. Based on this expert advice, and considering the liability, tax efficiency, and governance implications, TGC is making the switch to a tiered limited partnership structure.
Under the new structure, the new Board of Directors will hire a CEO to oversee the group of companies.
Tsartlip Chief and Council is pleased to introduce the seven impressive individuals that will serve on the TGC Board of Directors.
In addition to well known Tsartlip community pillar Councillor Jeanine Cooper, the new Board includes Adam Olsen, Firman Latimer of the Serpent River First Nation, Michael Pucci, and Fiona Morgan.
The combined expertise the group brings in Indigenous leadership and economic development is remarkable.
July 7, 2023
Michael Pucci is the current Chief Executive Officer of the Prince Rupert International Airport and an elected School Board Trustee for School District 52. He brings his extensive experience working on First Nations economic projects and long-held connections with the governmental, transportation, financial, and industrial sectors to his new position on the Board.
Gordon Elliott is also a member of the Tsartlip Community and has been appointed to replace Chief Don Tom who has stepped down from his TGoC board position. Gord has many facets of management experience and is the Director of Operations for the W̱ SÁNEĆ Leadership Council and the Operations Manager for the W̱ SÁNEĆ School Board, where he has served as a director for 30 years. He has been on the Tsartlip Chief & Council the past 12 years. He has been involved in many Tsartlip FN and business projects across the region. Gord’s knowledge of business endeavours and other W̱ SÁNEĆ First Nations will add to the success of the board.
Councillor Jeanine Cooper, whose traditional name is Snauqia, is currently serving her second year as an elected member of Council for Tsartlip. She studied Human Relations and Business Administration at Camosun College and recently retired from a full career as a secretary and administrative assistant. She has been proudly married for 45 years. Now, she supports the community through extensive committee and volunteer work, and she looks forward to continuing her life of service as a member of the Board.
Adam Olsen is well known as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saanich North and the Islands. As a member of the Tsartlip First Nation, he is eager to bring his 14-years of experience as an elected representative and his unique understanding of intersectional government to work to support the community.
Fiona Morgan worked as the Economic Development Officer for the Songhees Development Corporation of the Songhees Nation in Victoria. There, she identified partnerships to support reconciliation and new development while overseeing their businesses, including Sounglees Tours and Songhees Events and Catering. Additionally, Fiona spent six years as a Board Director for the Victoria Women’s Transition House Society, and five years volunteering for Saanich Ground Search and Rescue.
Will Morris is a member of the Tsartlip community and has been the head of the Marine Stewardship Program for the Tsartlip FN for the past two years. He was previously the Manager of the Lands, Resources and Economic Development Department in Tseycum for 5 years. Will has a passion for self-determination for the Tsartlip FN. He has a passion to assist the TGoC succeed in the business environment and has shown his skills as a collaborative and critical thinker. Will was a member of the Tsartlip FN C&C for several years and has experience and knowledge in indigenous business, organizational strategy, innovative ideas, indigenous governance, risk, marine safety and security. Will’s education includes Indigenous Lands Management Certification from the University of Saskatchewan and an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Indigenous Studies at the University of Victoria.
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