Alumni driving Indigenous economic growth – Castanet

Sep 2, 2025

Powered by a team that includes five Thompson Rivers University (TRU) alumni, Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Sc.wén̓wen Land Development Corporation (SLDC) are a driving force for Indigenous-led growth in Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS).

“We have all these stars in this organization that come from our local university, and I think giving them the spotlight is an important way to celebrate their success,” said newly appointed CEO Joshua Gottfriedsen, who is a former TteS Tk’wenem7íple7 (councillor).

Gottfriedsen (Distinguished Alumni Award ’23), Stephanie Tate (BA ’19, MEd ’22), Tana Jones (BA ’06, MBA ‘24), Amanda Johnson (Digital Art & Design ’08) and Bala (MBA ’22) are blending their diverse skillsets to help create long-term economic sovereignty for TteS community members.