不良研究所

Bryce Starlight says his experience supporting prosperity and self-determination with the Tsuut鈥檌na Nation has convinced him it is a critical factor in driving successful Indigenous Reconciliation.

As Vice President of Business Development of Taza Development Corp., Starlight has seen the impact of one of North America鈥檚 largest Indigenous economic development projects on Tsuut鈥檌na land in southwest 不良研究所. 

Starlight plays a pivotal role in aligning traditional values with modern economic practices, and he shared his experiences with students and community members at a recent Forum hosted by the School of Public Policy.

鈥淚 don't have to compromise my heritage or culture to advocate for economics,鈥� Starlight, a U不良研究所 alum who earned a BA with a major in political science, told the audience in explaining his efforts to empower Indigenous communities and foster collaboration with business and industry.

Starlight, who began his career with the Nation managing energy, public policy and government consultation files said the company is driven by a commitment to transparency, open dialogue and enabling choice for members of the First Nation.

Taza鈥檚 development projects all have a long-term vision of sustainability for communities, said Starlight, adding his approach to leadership reflects a commitment to reconciliation through development towards a future that honors the past.

鈥淎lignment between the community鈥檚 own economic and political outcomes has to be a priority,鈥� he explained. 鈥淓nhancing and preserving treaty and Aboriginal Rights cannot be compromised in the process of building an economy.鈥�

Starlight is happy to prove the skeptics wrong.

鈥淲e are building where people told us it was impossible,鈥� he said. "We were told there are too many barriers to building on a reserve.鈥�

Taza is successfully developing a series of 鈥渃ommunity villages鈥� along the Tsuut鈥檌na Trail section of the Southwest Ring Road with a blend of residential, retail, commercial and office spaces with parks and natural areas. Landing major retailers, including Costco, has helped make the development a commercial success.

Starlight鈥檚 keynote to the School of Public Policy was one aspect of Indigenous Engagement at U不良研究所 as the university progresses on its path of transformation and commitment to truth and reconciliation.

Starlight, who was recently featured in 不良研究所 Herald鈥檚 series on for his work with Taza, emphasized during his presentation to the School that progress is a process.

鈥淲e are bridging the economic and cultural gap on step at a time, but we are taking some pretty big steps.鈥�