Ian Arcand, is a proven leader in the area of First Nation economic and Band enterprise development. Over the last 15 years he has successfully led the establishment of several First Nation community business governance structures, that paved the way for creating diverse Band owned businesses that generated multi millions of own source revenues while also creating hundreds of employment opportunities for its nations members. Having spent his career working with many different First Nation communities, Ian truly understands the unique complexity that is required to navigate the social, political and economic environment in order to create success within these unique communities and also create unique business structures. This skill set has led to Ian holding senior roles such as CEO & Executive Director and excelling at working directly with elected leadership.

Ian is a proud member of the Alexander First Nation, close to Edmonton Alberta and in Treaty Six Territory. Ian started his professional career in an Aboriginal Co-Management firm and holds the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager professional designation from AFOA Canada along with a Business Management diploma from Grant McEwan Community College.

Firman Latimer holds a Master of Business Administration from the Ivey School of Business and a Bachelor of Commerce from Ryerson University. He is a proud First Nations’ member from Serpent River First Nation and has devoted his professional career supporting First Nation community economic and business development. He has worked directly for several communities over the past 12 years holding senior management and executive roles where he was responsible for establishing and building Band owned businesses and management structures.

His experience includes business start-up, negotiations, strategic business planning, structuring business ventures, developing business management structures, project management, raising capital and overseeing business operations. He has developed business ventures in commercial building and land development, retail, oil field services, timber harvesting and forestry licenses management, establishing gravel pits and aggregate sales, contracting and heavy equipment, casino and gaming and hospitality.

He understands the environment within First Nation communities which has contributed to his success in building businesses and economies over his career.

Victor holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Economics from St. Francis Xavier University and an international Bachelor of Business Administration from Memorial University. He is a Certified Lands Manager through the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association and is also currently working through an Executive Leadership Certificate from Simon Fraser University.

For over 12 years, Victor has held executive and senior management positions working with indigenous communities, business and organizations including: Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer, Band Administrator, Lands Manager, Co-manager / Recipient Appointed Adviser, Chief Operating Officer, etc. He’s also been contracted to manage specific projects right from inception and grant writing through to completion and final deliverables.

Victor brings a calm and professional demeanor, integrity, a strong network and proven track record to all of his engagements. He enjoys working closely with elected leaders and boards to understand and prioritize their goals and make meaningful plans and progress to move their communities forward. Victor has worked for indigenous communities throughout Alberta and British Columbia. He currently resides in Victoria, British Columbia with his partner and daughter and when not at work he enjoys staying active and being outdoors.