ABOUT US
about us
Stó:lō Community Futures (SCF) is a non-profit organization with core funding provided by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). There are 34 active Community Futures offices in BC, and SCF is one of four Indigenous specific offices in BC in the Southwest Region.
The Board is comprised of a volunteer group of local business professionals and community leaders who are both Indigenous and non-Indigenous support for the local business and economic development in S’ólh Téméxw, the Stó:lō Traditional Territory.
Eligible applicants within the service area are individuals of Canadian Indigenous ancestry – First Nation, Métis or Inuit. Indigenous Communities and their economic development corporations, and their community owned businesses are also eligible for support. Businesses and organizations must be majority Indigenous-owned and controlled with a minimum of 51% Indigenous ownership.
SCF has been around since 1990’s providing services to all 24 Stó:lō Communities and all Indigenous peoples located between Fort Langley to Yale on both sides of the Fraser River. We offer business support ranging from financing to training programs to small and medium-sized business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs access to services tailored to individual needs.
Most of all, SCF embraces and celebrates Stó:lō cultural values and believes in creating and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit in our communities.
Our Vision
The Vision of Stó:lō Community Futures is to facilitate and provide ongoing support to Indigenous businesses and to foster entrepreneurial growth in S’ólh Téméxw, Stó:lō Traditional Territory.
Our Mission
Stó:lō Community Futures’ ongoing Mission is to provide Indigenous entrepreneurs and Stó:lō First Nation communities within S’ólh Téméxw, the Stó:lō Traditional Territory, with a wide range of business and economic development programs and services.
Our Mandate
The Board is comprised of a volunteer group of local business professionals and community leaders who are both Indigenous and non-Indigenous support for the local business and economic development in S’ólh Téméxw, the Stó:lō Traditional Territory.
Eligible applicants within the service area are individuals of Canadian Indigenous ancestry – First Nation, Métis or Inuit. Indigenous Communities and their economic development corporations, and their community owned businesses are also eligible for support. Businesses and organizations must be majority Indigenous-owned and controlled with a minimum of 51% Indigenous ownership.
SCF has been around since 1990’s providing services to all 24 Stó:lō Communities and all Indigenous peoples located between Fort Langley to Yale on both sides of the Fraser River. We offer business support ranging from financing to training programs to small and medium-sized business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs access to services tailored to individual needs.
Most of all, SCF embraces and celebrates Stó:lō cultural values and believes in creating and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit in our communities.
Our Vision
The Vision of Stó:lō Community Futures is to facilitate and provide ongoing support to Indigenous businesses and to foster entrepreneurial growth in S’ólh Téméxw, Stó:lō Traditional Territory.
Our Mission
Stó:lō Community Futures’ ongoing Mission is to provide Indigenous entrepreneurs and Stó:lō First Nation communities within S’ólh Téméxw, the Stó:lō Traditional Territory, with a wide range of business and economic development programs and services.
Our Mandate
- Provide business counselling
- Provide lending programs to Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses, both existing and new;
- Provide entrepreneurial training programs and assistance; and
- Assist and facilitate Stó:lō Communities with their community based economic development.
financial statements
Click below to review our Financial Statements:
Financial Statements for Year Ending March 31, 2025
Financial Statements for Year Ending March 31, 2024
Financial Statements for Year Ending March 31, 2023
Financial Statements for Year Ending March 31, 2025
Financial Statements for Year Ending March 31, 2024
Financial Statements for Year Ending March 31, 2023
annual report
Please click on the links below to view Stó:lō Community Futures' Annual Reports to Western Economic Diversification:
SCF Annual Performance Report - 2024 - 2025
SCF Annual Performance Report - 2023 - 2024
SCF Annual Performance Report - 2022 - 2023
SCF Annual Performance Report - 2024 - 2025
SCF Annual Performance Report - 2023 - 2024
SCF Annual Performance Report - 2022 - 2023
strategic plan
Stó:lō Community Futures operates within S’ólh Téméxw, the Stó:lō Traditional Territory and is working on completing its next Five (5) Year Strategic Plan. Please visit soon to learn more.
Board of directors
The Board is comprised of a volunteer group of local business professionals and community leaders who are both Indigenous and non-Indigenous support for the local business and economic development in S’ólh Téméxw.
The current volunteer Board of Directors are:
The current volunteer Board of Directors are:
chris monkman, chair
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Guiding Indigenous Entrepreneurship in S’ólh Téméxw
Chris Monkman, a passionate advocate for Indigenous economic empowerment, serves as Chair of Stó:lō Community Futures (SCF), a vital force in fostering business growth across the traditional territory of the Stó:lō Nation. With decades of experience in trades education, hospitality leadership, and community development, Chris brings a hands-on perspective to SCF's mission of delivering financing, training, and resources to Indigenous entrepreneurs, from startups to expansions in sectors like trades, sustainable energy, and cultural enterprises. As Chair, Chris champions SCF's role within the Community Futures Network of Canada, one of British Columbia's four Indigenous-specific offices. Drawing from a career that spans 35 years in hospitality, 15 years in teaching and administration with SASET, and current leadership as Director of Trades at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), Chris bridges education and industry to build resilient communities. Initiatives under their guidance emphasize Stó:lō cultural values, community capacity-building, and economic diversification, supporting the Stó:lō Nations through programs that celebrate entrepreneurial spirit while honoring ancestral lands. Chris's volunteer commitment to SCF reflects a lifelong dedication to mentorship and innovation, igniting opportunities that strengthen S’ólh Téméxw for generations. A Fraser Valley resident with a flair for hands-on projects, from pyrolysis reactors to student success stories, Chris continues to forge pathways where culture and commerce converge. |
Al STOBBART, vice chair
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Al Stobbart and his wife of 51 years, Denny Stobbart, a Sts’ailes elder, reside in Sts’ailes. Together, they operated the Sasquatch Crossing Eco Lodge for Sts’ailes for 14 years and recently retired. Al is a current Board Member at the Sts’ailes Development Corporation and as such, has assisted their business progression since 2014.
Al’s first career was related to all facets of Sockeye Salmon Enhancement for both the International Pacific Salmon Fisheries Commission and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans throughout the province of BC. As Sockeye Operations Manager until he retired in 2010, his work included numerous on the ground First Nation sockeye programs including assisting the Gitanyow on the Kitwanga River near Kispiox, the Nu-Chuh-Nulth at Henderson Lake on Alberni Inlet and with Katzie in the upper Pitt River. Al spent 14 years as an elected Director with the Fraser Valley Regional District where he chaired their Indigenous Relations Committee and represented FVRD interests at the Metro Vancouver Indigenous Relations Board and, previously sat on the Aboriginal Tourism BC Board. Al has been the volunteer manager of the North Nicomen Diking District for the past 15 years and for the past 20 years, both he and Denny have volunteered extensively with Lions Clubs International as members of the local Sasquatch Lions Club. Al is an avid fly fisher and gardener and can be found on the golf course for part of most sunny days. |
willy hall, TREASURER/SECRETARY
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Willy Hall is from Skowkale (Sq’ewqéyl) First Nation. He graduated from the British Columbia Institute of Technology in 1986 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Willy’s first job out of university was as a Band Manager for Skowkale First Nation from 1989 to 1991. In 1991 Willy started as the Finance Manager of Stó:lō Nation Canada. In 1994 he became the Executive Director of Stó:lō Nation and has held this position since then. Over these years Willy has actively taken part in numerous other boards related to Stó:lō Nation, holding various positions under these boards.
He is the owner/operator of two businesses; a propane delivery company and Aboriginal Financial Consulting Firm specializing in property taxation. Willy married Lisa in 1998 and is the father of three children. Willy is actively involved in all of his children’s interests, attending soccer games, driving to art class, and has also been volunteering his time with the Fraser Valley Rep Rugby team. When he finds time he keeps active either hiking, playing squash or baseball and also enjoys playing chess and poker. Willy looks forward to his position with the Board of Directors of Stó:lō Community Futures. |
allison Colthorp, board member
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Allison Colthorp is the Executive Director of Tourism Ch’illiwack. She leads her team in the implementation of destination management and reconciliation plans. This includes operating Chilliwack Heritage Park, the Visitor Centre, the Chilliwack Merch Shop and the Flag Shop. She has over 25 years of experience working within the tourism industry with a strong focus on forming partnerships with all levels of government and stakeholders to ensure initiatives are inclusive.
Allison also sits on the Board for Stó:lō Community Futures, an organization that provides support to Indigenous businesses and fosters entrepreneurial growth. In her spare time, you can regularly find her in her backyard BBQing! She also has a deep passion for animals, and to date she has rescued 2 seagulls, 16 ducks, 5 dogs, 2 raccoons, 1 deer, 2 quails, and numerous ants. Allison Colthorp is the Executive Director of Tourism Ch’illiwack. She leads her team in the implementation of destination management and reconciliation plans. This includes operating Chilliwack Heritage Park, the Visitor Centre, the Chilliwack Merch Shop and the Flag Shop. She has over 25 years of experience working within the tourism industry with a strong focus on forming partnerships with all levels of government and stakeholders to ensure initiatives are inclusive. Allison also sits on the Board for Stó:lō Community Futures, an organization that provides support to Indigenous businesses and fosters entrepreneurial growth. In her spare time, you can regularly find her in her backyard BBQing! She also has a deep passion for animals, and to date she has rescued 2 seagulls, 16 ducks, 5 dogs, 2 raccoons, 1 deer, 2 quails, and numerous ants. Allison Colthorp is the Executive Director of Tourism Ch’illiwack. She leads her team in the implementation of destination management and reconciliation plans. This includes operating Chilliwack Heritage Park, the Visitor Centre, the Chilliwack Merch Shop and the Flag Shop. She has over 25 years of experience working within the tourism industry with a strong focus on forming partnerships with all levels of government and stakeholders to ensure initiatives are inclusive. Allison also sits on the Board for Stó:lō Community Futures, an organization that provides support to Indigenous businesses and fosters entrepreneurial growth. In her spare time, you can regularly find her in her backyard BBQing! She also has a deep passion for animals, and to date she has rescued 2 seagulls, 16 ducks, 5 dogs, 2 raccoons, 1 deer, 2 quails, and numerous ants. |
Nick Point, board member
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Biography coming soon.
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GRACIE KELLY, board member
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Gracie’s family roots are from The’wali qas te Xaxlip Soowahlie and Xaxlip First Nations and is a proud Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Stó:lō member.
In 2025, Gracie celebrates 10 years of her business, Téméxw Teachings. Gracie facilitates her gifts of creativity with cedar, drumming and singing, drum making, medicine bags and beading. Sharing Halq'emeylem language holistc teachings bring balance to her busy schedule in the daytime when she works with Doctors of BC. Her evenings are filled with gratitude and honouring S’ólh Téméxw, our earth the best way she can by hiking, e-biking, kayaking and swimming at local lakes, which is the traditional territories of The'wali. In June 2025, she shared her third play titled “Travels with the Salmon” at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. Her education includes a credential in Mindfulness Based Teachings and Learning as well as a Bachelors in Adult Education. This has brought her far reaching skills consistently sharing the importance of “centering ourselves in community” and “everyday is a new way to be grateful, to learn and grow together, do the best we can for our seven generations ahead knowing we made daily decisions so they can flourish”. In addition, Gracie remembers being a part of SCF in 1991. She was the Administrative Assistant supporting the Board in developing SCF and learning about Community Futures programs and services throughout rural BC. There was lots of laughter, enjoying networking, and now being a new SCF Board Member has a deep meaning and is looking forward to being part of the journey of sharing great opportunities for all of Stó:lō. |
DARWIN BIAMONTE, board member
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Darwin Biamonte is from Cheam First Nation and is a graduate of the Indigenous Business Leadership MBA from Simon Fraser University. Darwin has completed a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, along with a certificate in professional communications from The University of The Fraser Valley and is a Certified Associate Project Manager.
He first started working with Indigenous organizations in 2016 and within the Indigenous economic development space in 2020. His experience in economic development ranges from consulting, Indigenous economic development corporations, the economy sector of the BC public service and the First Nations Finance Authority. His background includes managing a team of grant writers to fund a wide range of social and economic development projects, ranging from infrastructure development, education & training, sports & recreation, and business development. In addition to this, he is experienced in managing community-owned businesses, managing infrastructure and social development projects, developing startups, managing events and leading web design and marketing activities for organizations. |
NINA ZETCHUS, board member
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Nina Zetchus, traditional name Púlemiya, is Stó:lō from Sts’ailes. She is a mom to two young children, a wife, aunty, daughter, and community member deeply rooted in her culture and territory. She holds a Business Administration degree from the University of the Fraser Valley and brings over a decade of experience in banking and lending. Púlemiya currently serves as Grants and Community Initiatives Manager with the Strategic Granting team at Vancouver Foundation, supporting the Thriving Indigenous Systems Fund and previously the Indigenous Priorities Grant program. She also contributes her experience in their roles with the Stó:lō Community Futures Lending Committee, the Moytelexw Board for Sts’ailes Development Corporation, and on the UFV Indigenous Advisory council. A former small business owner, she is passionate about Indigenous economic development and advancing self-determined, community-led solutions.
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NATHAN HILDEBRAND, board member
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Nathan Hildebrand is an associate lawyer at Baker Newby LLP, where he practices family law and general civil litigation. Nathan earned his Juris Doctor from Thompson Rivers University in 2023 and was called to the Bar of British Columbia in May 2024. His legal training and his time as a practicing lawyer have equipped him with skills in negotiation, dispute resolution, and advocacy. Nathan brings a thoughtful and community-minded approach to his work, shaped by both his legal experience and personal connection to the Fraser Valley.
Nathan is a citizen of the Métis Nation British Columbia with ancestral roots in the historic Red River region of Canada on his mother’s side and he has European ancestry on both his mother and father’s side. Nathan was born and raised as a guest in S'ólh Téméxw, where he continues to reside with his wife and their four cats: Ziggy, Zeus, Chia, and Bean. |
rocio zielinski, board member (non-voting)
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Rocio Zielinski has been part of the Stó:lō Community Futures (SCF) Team since 2005, and became the SCF General Manager on April 1st, 2019. Rocio manages the many business lending and services, such as the SCF/Bank of Montreal Micro Loans Program, the Stó:lō/Vancity Indigenous Impact Lending Program in partnership with Vancity Credit Union, as well as seeking/facilitating training and educational programs, to support Indigenous entrepreneurs in Sólh Téméxw (Stó:lō Traditional Territory).
Rocio works directly with Indigenous clients who want to start, or expand a business, reviewing and evaluating business plans and strategies, and provides continuous support services. Rocio has expanded SCF’s services into the local Stó:lō Communities by opening Satellite Offices in various Stó:lō Communities, which allows Community Members the benefit of having the lending services and assistance within their reach. Rocio was extensively involved in the development of the bold business initiative STÓ:LŌ MEANS BUSINESS with the SCF Board of Directors, that was launched in April, 2014. In addition, Rocio provides office management in her day-to-day activities. Rocio is originally from Los Angeles, California and her Indigenous ancestry is from Mexico. Rocio has extensive legal assistance experience and certifications, and also speaks fluent Spanish. |
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Board of Directors Recruitment and Nomination Process
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Loan FUNDs COMMITTEE
Willy Hall, Committee Chair (SCF Board Member)
Nina Zetchus, Committee Member
Paula Ranson, Committee Member
Terry Mitchell, Committee Member
Nick Point, Committee Member
Nina Zetchus, Committee Member
Paula Ranson, Committee Member
Terry Mitchell, Committee Member
Nick Point, Committee Member
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Redress and Appeal Process
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