KDC is the economic development arm of the Cowichan Tribes. With a membership of almost 4,000 people, the Cowichan Tribes is British Columbia’s largest single First Nations community. Khowutzun Development Corporation operates in the capacity of:

• overall management of the group of companies and;
• small business/entrepreneur funding facility.

In its role as overall management, KDC provides general management services and all finance related management, including accounting, cash management and business planning and preparatory services. These services are charged out to the various companies of the group and account for 47% of the company’s revenues. The remaining revenues primarily come from Cowichan Tribes contributions for tobacco tax and INAC economic development funding. These funds are earmarked for the small business/entrepreneur funding and economic development.

The Khowutzun Development Corporation (KDC) was incorporated under the Company Act on May 12, 1993. KDC and its subsidiaries currently hold the active business assets of the Cowichan Tribes. All future development falls under the direction of KDC on behalf of Cowichan Tribes.

KDC will be an international, diversified, and self sustaining corporation that fulfills the economic objectives and expectations of the Cowichan Community. KDC will be the first choice employer of the tribe’s members because of its focus on training, education, and the creation of wealth for its community. Sustainable employment is the driving force behind this focus. The company is professionally managed at all levels by Tribe members and is setting standards for indigenous peoples globally, and is the leader for First Nations in Canada.

As owners of our traditional lands, we will manage resources sustain ably, ensuring the protection of the environment and fostering the health and well being of our people. We embrace the use of leading edge technology while preserving our culture and heritage, and promoting our community learning and utilizing our traditional language.

KDC is a company viewed by its partners and competitors as a ‘Successful Corporation’ not just a ‘Successful First Nations Corporation’. Our community leaders will be active participants and supporters of our endeavors and be knowledgeable with respect to our application of technology.

Khowutzun Development Corporation will initiate, develop and manage business opportunities available to the Cowichan Tribes which are compatible with economic and spiritual well being of the Cowichan; their land, its inhabitants and its economic resources. KDC shall strive to maximize the long term benefits to all Cowichan for training, employment, management and entrepreneurial opportunity in the social economic community of Canada and abroad.

KDC will develop investment criteria with the following priorities:

• Social & Economic impact through ownership and strategic partnerships
• Generate meaningful employment
• Generate management expertise

All profits must be reinvested in development projects to build KDC’s economic base.