Doig River First Nation launches Naachesneh Corporation to manage urban reserve projects 

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Doig River First Nation (DRFN) has announced the incorporation of a new development company.

Its name is Naachesneh Development Corporation, and its goal is to oversee the Naache Commons Urban Reserve located in Fort St. John and future projects on their urban reserve land.

Its first order of business is to find a new Chief Executive Officer.

According to DRFN’s Economic Development Manager, Devrey Crossley, searching for an “experienced professional” with the guidance of DRFN leadership and a board of directors “made sense.”

She added that the new organization will oversee the management of the Shell Gas station and Kekuli Cafe Indigenous Bistro, which will be located at the site.

“We have recognized that the success of our Urban Reserve Developments are linked to how effectively we can manage it,” said Crossley. 

“The focus of the Nation is and always will be with the original reserve and their members.”

The Naache Commons Urban Reserve, located across from the Ma Murray Community School on 104th Avenue, broke ground in 2024.  

First proposed by former DRFN Chief Norman Davis, the project has been in the planning stages since 2009.

When completed, it will feature 61,000 square footage of commercial space, residences, and a Shell gas station.

In October, it was announced that Indigenous bistro Kekuli Cafe would open a franchise in the north at Naache Commons. Further information about the position of CEO and how to apply is available through the Leaders International website.