Skip to content

Creston B&B wins Aboriginal business award

Creston owner-operators Sylvia and Ed Turner created Bison Spirit Bed and Breakfast five years ago...
30706crestonbison_spirit_bed_breakfast_KABDA
Ed and Sylvia Turner own Creston’s Bison Spirit Bed and Breakfast.

Last year, the Kootenay Aboriginal Business Development Agency celebrated Small Business Week by seeking outstanding aboriginal businesses in the Kootenay region to honour as Aboriginal Business of the Year.

KABDA is honouring Bison Spirit Bed and Breakfast. Creston owner-operators Sylvia and Ed Turner created this unique bed and breakfast five years ago, featuring Métis/Aboriginal decor and a circle of life garden patio. The theme was developed from Ed and Sylvia’s enjoyment of native crafts they create. Guests enjoy freshly made bannock and other specialties from their Food Safe-certified kitchen.

Their guests have come from all over the world and enjoy the creative art done by Ed and Sylvia that is meticulously exhibited throughout the grounds and inside the bed and breakfast.

The Turner’s goal is to provide positive, lasting memories of Creston and of Métis/Aboriginal culture for their guests. Judging by comments on their website such as “super clean” and “fabulous hosts, great food and wonderful accommodations,” they have clearly achieved their goal.

Cranbrook’s Tipi Mountain Native Plants Ltd. specializes in the propagating of plants species indigenous to the Kootenay region. It has had four successful years of operation. Its products are primarily being used for reclamation, helping to return distributed land closer to its natural state than agronomic species. Native plants support the biodiversity of the region and area healing. It draws in businesses that work in severely disturbed and rocky landscapes, and native plants not only grow and flourish but they also restore the soil in those locations.

“By advocating use of the native plants and making them available in the market, Tipi Mountain Native Plants is promoting responsible practices and creating opportunity and an expression of social responsibility,” said Cory Peters.

Joe and Karen Cote own Invermere’s Jobkat Excavating, which specializes in landscaping and forestry, and has flourished to a multifaceted business that includes equipment rental. In the beginning, Joe recognized the residential boom that was occurring in the valley and decided to start a side business with his wife. They continue to successfully operate eight years later.

In 2010, Joe and his machinery went to work at the Panorama Mountain Village, as well as engaged in restoration work on the Shuswap Indian Reserve. Joe prides himself on the purchase of his caterpillar with a rotating drum mulcher on the front that returns the mulch back into the ground. Joe was happy to mention that during the week of the awards JobKat signed a contract with Ministry of Forests that he credits to his ingenuity toward environmental consciousness.

— KOOTENAY ABORIGINAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY