ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We are Cowichan Tribes - a vibrant community with rich cultural heritage and social structure, deeply rooted in our connection to the land. Our Mission Statement is “Nilh tu Quw’utsun mistimuhw tl’im ‘o’ hi wa’qw ye i’mushstuhwsyu’wentst, snuw’uy’ulhtst kw’am kwum’ tu shqwulawuns sis’o’tslhqwnamut ‘utu syaays, ‘i’kw’ni’tatul’utus - Cowichan Tribes is a community-driven organization promoting the respect of our culture and traditions and empowering the individuality and success of our people and nation.”

Cowichan Tribes is seeking dedicated and visionary leaders to guide our for-profit businesses and expand our economic development horizons. The Nation is in the final stages of re-organizing its legal business structure and is recruiting board directors for Quw’utsun Holdings General Partnership Ltd. (QHGP), the Master General Partner of its for-profit businesses. This structure contains a mix of corporations, Limited Partnerships, and Limited Liability Partnerships.

The QHGP Board of Directors will provide expert financial oversight and business strategy in alignment with Cowichan Tribes' vision, mission, and the values embedded in our snuy’uy’ulh (cultural teachings).

PRIMARY ROLES AND RESPONSBILITIES

• Governance of the Nation’s for-profit businesses in alignment with Cowichan Tribes’ vision, mission, values, and teachings.
• Develop and execute the corporation’s vision, strategy, and plans with defined timeframes and milestones to achieve specific goals and sustainable returns.
• Recruitment and oversight of the CEO, providing support and/or capacity development.
• Approve annual plans, review performance, ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Support the CEO in providing ongoing and comprehensive operational and financial performance reporting to shareholders.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of, and experience in, one or more sectors of interest:
• Construction, Forestry, Fisheries, Real Estate, Tourism and Hospitality, Gaming, Technology, Retail, and/or related industries.
• Professional competencies and experience including:
• Business development, management, corporate governance, laws and regulations, finance and accounting, Indigenous title and rights, human resources, technology and innovation, etc.
• A strong understanding of financial and non-financial performance reporting and analysis.
• Previous experience as a Director and/or working with a Board of Directors.
• Experience working with First Nations governments and communities.
• Proven leadership and relationship building experience.
• Time to participate in board and reporting meetings, a well as events that provide opportunities to the business group.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES OF DIRECTORS

• Demonstrated ethical conduct, professionalism, and a positive reputation within the Cowichan Tribes and broader business community, supported by references and prior leadership, employment, or volunteer experience.
• Ability to act in a fiduciary capacity, exercise independent judgment free from personal or political influence, maintain confidentiality, and identify and avoid conflicts of interest at all times.
• Willingness to learn and to devote time required to undertake training and carry out Director duties and responsibilities.
• Upon appointment, sign and adhere to a Code of Conduct, Confidentiality Agreement, and all applicable governance policies (including conflict of interest provisions).
• Must successfully complete a criminal record check.
• Familiar with Cowichan Tribes traditional knowledge.

ELIGIBILITY

Cowichan citizens and non-citizens may submit an application for the director posting prior to the deadline.

Applicants must:

• Be 19 years of age and older.
• Meet the experience, skills, and attributes criteria.
• Satisfy criminal record and reference check processes.

To maintain independence and avoid conflicts of interest, the following are not eligible to serve on the QHGP Board of Directors:

1. Cowichan Tribes Chief and Council
2. Individuals already serving on Cowichan Tribes appointed committees, sub-committees, and boards
3. Cowichan Tribes Employees
4. Board directors of existing Cowichan Tribes businesses
5. Contractors of existing Cowichan Tribes businesses
6. Employees of existing Cowichan Tribes businesses

TIME COMMITMENT, TERM AND COMPENSATION

Directors can expect a time commitment of approximately 8 hours per month, which includes preparation for and attendance at monthly Board meetings. Remote/virtual attendance will be accommodated however in person attendance will be required at least once annually.

The Board President will assume additional responsibilities and meetings to fulfill reporting requirements.

Directors are appointed for a two (2) year term, with the opportunity for renewal for one additional two (2) year term.

Directors will receive an honorarium in recognition of their time and contributions and will be reimbursed for reasonable travel and related expenses incurred in support of Board and Reporting meetings.

Directors will receive governance, financial literacy, Indigenous economic development training as part of their onboarding, as well as ongoing training opportunities.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications, experience, and why you are interested in this opportunity to Silver McLaughlin at silver.mclaughlin@mnp.ca with “Quw’utsun Director Application” in the subject header by 4:30 PM PST on Friday, April 24, 2026.

All applications will be reviewed through a competitive, fair, and transparent process.

A selection panel will be established to review, evaluate, and shortlist candidates, conduct interviews, and make recommendations to Chief and Council. The panel will include:

• Four (4) Members of Council • One (1) Elder • Two (2) Senior Administration representatives • One (1) Independent External Representative

Shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in interviews, criminal record checks, and reference checks (personal and professional) as part of the evaluation process.

Final appointment of Directors will be made by Council through formal resolution.

Additional information about the business group will be shared with candidates who move forward in the process.

For general information about Quw’utsun Holdings General Partnership, please visit: https://cowichantribes.com/Economic-Development/quwutsun-holdings-general-partnership

We thank all interested applicants in advance and look forward to working closely with the successful candidates.