K’en T’em Delivers $2 Million to Participating Bands
Photo courtesy of K'en T'em
Sep 18, 2025 | 4:45 AM
Roger White
For the first time since its creation, K’en T’em Limited Partnership is returning direct benefits to its owners.
Each of the eight participating bands of the CNA have received $250,000 to use in ways that best serve their people. The decision of how to use these funds rests entirely with each Band. K’en T’em was formed to create lasting opportunities for the nłeʔképmx. What began with a single agreement tied to Highland Valley Copper has grown into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. Today, the partnership owns and operates several businesses, including Cantex, acquired in 2024, and has expanded into mining services, environmental work, culture and heritage, and media.
“This distribution is a clear sign of what we can achieve together,” said Chief Christine Walkem, Chief of Cook’s Ferry and Chair of the K’en T’em Board. “K’en T’em was built by our people, for our people. The strength of this partnership means every Band shares equally, and every Band decides how best to bring this support home.”
Chief Fred Sampson, Chief of Siska and Vice-Chair of the Board, highlighted the deeper meaning of the announcement. “It’s about more than a cheque. It’s about taking control of our economic future and showing that when we work collectively, we can stand on our own two feet.”
Adding to this, Chief Greg Blain, Chief of Ashcroft and Director on the Board, spoke about the future. “We’re proving that we can not only participate in business on our lands but lead it. This is only the beginning of what K’en T’em can grow into.”
K’en T’em Limited Partnership (KTLP) is the for-profit corporation committed to providing the nłeʔképmx people of the Eight Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) Participating Bands with the resources that will help them efficiently create, manage and operate business opportunities. The Eight Participating Bands include Ashcroft, Boston Bar, Coldwater, Cook’s Ferry, Nicomen, Nooaitch, Shackan, and Siska.
K’en T’em is mandated to explore business opportunities that are created by proponents working in the unceded territory of the nłeʔképmx people. Building relationships with proponents is a vital step for K’en T’em to support our Participating Bands in becoming self-sustaining and vital economic communities.
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