Chief Valerie Askoty sees a clear shift in the wind for the Prophet River First Nation. It is a change rooted in the classroom and the cockpit. This vision for progress is personal for Askoty. She grew up in a cabin without running water. She was the first in her family to graduate high school.
“Our elders hold hope for the future because they see that many of our members are starting to educate themselves,” Askoty says. The support of a community trust now provides the funding for this transformation. The results are tangible. One member recently completed her MBA. Another is currently earning a pilot’s license with help from Quest Helicopters.
For Askoty, these milestones represent more than just individual success. They are the building blocks of a self-sustaining nation. The elders support these new roles because they see the younger generation stepping up. This educational push allows the community to meet the future with confidence and skill.
A seat at the natural gas table
The global conversation around liquefied natural gas often forgets the source. Askoty is quick to remind the world that the “upstream” matters. Without the natural gas located in her region, there is no LNG industry for British Columbia. As a former bookkeeper with 23 years of experience, she brings a sharp eye for business to these talks.
“I have now become involved in it,” she explains. Askoty recently accepted the role of vice-chair for the Natural Gas Alliance board. Her goal is to ensure her members understand what this industry means for their future. She believes being involved is the only way to contribute to a sustainable future for her people.
Balancing industrial development with the role of land steward is a heavy task. Askoty relies on constant communication with her membership to find that equilibrium. “Informing the membership of where we are is the first step in getting that support,” she says. Once the community understands the vision, the path forward becomes clearer.
Diversifying the local economy
The nation is not just looking at traditional resources. Through its corporate arm, Naa Na K’at dezo GP Ltd., Prophet River is exploring new frontiers. This includes a potential data centre and vertical gardening initiatives. These projects undergo rigorous due diligence to ensure they align with community values.
“We need to know how it is going to impact not just our people, but also the lands,” Askoty says. The nation has already purchased more land in Fort St. John for development. These investments are handled by a separate entity to keep business and politics distinct.
The move toward vertical gardening offers a unique equity opportunity. It allows the nation to explore food security while creating local jobs. Whether it is technology or agriculture, the focus remains on long-term stability. Every new venture must pass the test of the membership’s input before moving forward.
Healing through cultural revival
Reconciliation is a word often used in Canadian politics, but for Askoty, it has a specific meaning. It is about returning to the roots that were damaged by residential schools and the Sixties Scoop. “We reconcile with the land by not only replenishing the animals, but also reclaiming and restoring the land,” she says.
The purchase of the Syne River Ranch is a key part of this journey. It serves as a place for the guide outfitting business and a space for healing. Members can go out into the mountains and do what they have done for generations. Askoty, who recently earned a leadership certificate from Harvard, uses these tools to bridge tradition and modern governance.
“We will never forget what happened to us in the past,” Askoty notes. However, she believes the nation is now on a good path. By reviving their culture and signing agreements with the province, they are moving forward in a positive way. For Prophet River, the future is about balancing modern industry with ancient traditions.
Ian Biana writes for the Resource Works Accelerate team and can be reached at [email protected].
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