SqDC Updates
PARTNER WITH US

Why Partner with SQDC?

Let’s Succeed Together

At SQDC, we’re here to make partnerships that truly matter. By teaming up with us, you’ll get the resources, support, and opportunities to take your business to the next level. Here’s what we bring to the table:
Seabird Island
  • Expertise & Guidance: Count on us for insights into local markets and development opportunities.
  • Referral Letters for Bidding Projects: Add our endorsement to your proposals.
  • Collaborative Opportunities: Join forces with us on projects that make an impact.
  • Streamlined Procurement Processes: Integrated purchasing strategies for greater efficiency.
  • Networking & Relationships: Tap into our extensive network of industry connections.
  • Event Coordination: Partner with us on community and industry events
  • Tailored Support & Services: Get solutions designed to meet your unique needs.
  • Shared Commitment: Be part of our dedication to community growth and sustainability
  • Funding Opportunities & Grant Writing: Use our expertise to secure funding and grants

Our Reach and Connections

Opportunities Start Here

As a trusted partner, you’ll benefit from our strong connections with leading organizations, including:
We’re also developing the Sq’éwqel Business Park on Seabird Island’s 50-acre commercial property, creating even more possibilities for growth and collaboration.

Industries We Work With

A Network That Spans Industries

As a trusted partner, you’ll benefit from our strong connections with leading organizations, including:
  • Land Development and Urban Planning
  • Resource Management
  • Forestry and Logging
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Transportation and Logistics
  • Manufacturing and Fabrication
  • Agriculture and Horticulture
  • Mining and Natural Resources
  • Technology and Innovation
  • Retail and Commercial Development
  • Hospitality and Tourism
We have special interest in working with Indigenous-owned businesses, building stronger relationships and empowering Indigenous communities.

Meet Our Partners

See Who We Work With

We’re proud to collaborate with incredible partners. Check out our current partnerships and see how they’re contributing to our shared success.

Ready to Join Us?

Let’s Build Something Great Together

Partnering with SqDC means getting access to resources, expertise, and opportunities that help your business thrive while making a real difference in our community. Let’s grow together and create a brighter future.

Contact Us

Let's Chat

We'd love to hear from you. Feel free to fill out the form, email or give us a call to book a meeting with us.

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Sqéwqel

Development Corporation

Office: (604) 796-7077
Address: 6958 Pioneer Ave, Agassiz
Mailing: P.O. Box 650, 2895 Chowat Rd, Agassiz

Home Our Story Projects Entities Meet the team Contact Us

Antoinette Struwig

Multimedia Designer

Bryon Mason

Finance Administratort
Bryon keeps the office lively with his tongue-in-cheek humour and quick wit. With a UFV Bookkeeping certificate and the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager course in progress, he’s always expanding his financial expertise. At SqDC, he plays a key role in keeping the numbers in check, primarily focusing on the Sqéwqel Gas Bar and Nations Creations while making sure there’s never a dull moment along the way. Bryon is married to a member of Seabird Island and is proud to be a member of the Quinault tribe.

Outside of work, Bryon loves to build Lego creations with his son and tests his skills at the poker table.
Fun Fact: While finance became his career, childhood Bryon once dreamed of forecasting the weather on local TV.

Brady Redden

Project Coordinator
Brady has a knack for turning big ideas into winning proposals. With a background in Business Administration from the University of the Fraser Valley, he knows how to craft a message that sticks. But proposals aren’t his only game; he is involved in our various projects and helps train interns.

Outside of work, Brady stays active with mountain biking, snowboarding, hockey, and hiking, but let’s be honest, he spends most of his time on the golf course with friends.
Fun Fact: If drinking coffee were an Olympic sport, he'd be our gold medalist.

Carla Pretorius

Communications Manager

Carla is the voice behind SqDC’s messaging and community presence. She holds a
bachelor’s degree in Media Studies and an honours degree in Communication, and
she’s currently completing a postgrad diploma in Public Relations at the University
of Victoria. From managing communication and social media to planning events
and running outreach initiatives, she ensures SqDC stays connected to the Seabird
Island community and beyond.

Originally from a small rural town in South Africa, Carla moved to Canada in 2019 and
now proudly calls it home. She brings energy, humour, and heart to every
conversation, often with a sarcastic twist. Known for her bubbly personality and
sharp wit, she’s always ready to crack a joke or two (even if it sometimes gets her
into a little trouble).

Outside the office, Carla enjoys hiking, dabbling in CrossFit, reading self-
improvement books, and spending quality time with her husband.

Fun Fact:

Carla is a sore loser and proudly blames it on her 'only child syndrome.'

Emma Albeluhn

Administrative Assistant
Emma is a recent graduate of UFV’s Applied Business Technology program, which gave her a strong foundation for her journey into the office world. At SqDC, you can catch Emma working behind the scenes, using her keen organizational skills to support all departments while adding a creative touch to social media posts.

Fast and efficient, Emma may be quiet, but don’t be fooled. She’s always listening, learning, and ready to tackle the next challenge with precision and focus.
Fun Fact: Emma would like to work as an artist in the future – but for now, we are keeping her at SqDC.

Rovielyn Correia

Assistant Controller
Rovielyn is the newest member of our team. With a degree in Management Accounting, a License as an Insurance Broker, a Certification as a Tax Professional, a Certification as a QuickBooks Online Advanced ProAdvisor and Certified in Management (C.I.M), bringing the perfect balance to our finance team.

Originally from the tropical paradise of Cebu, Philippines, where the beaches are endless and the scenery is straight out of a postcard, she moved to Canada eight years ago. While numbers keep her busy at work, her passions extend beyond spreadsheets. She loves cooking, baking, wildlife photography, and spending quality time with her family.
Fun Fact: When stress hits, chocolate is her go-to. Luckily, we haven’t spotted her reaching for any at work yet, which tells us she’s settling into her role just fine!

Joleen Peters

Payroll and Accounts Payable
Joleen, a member of Chawathil First Nation, has a sharp mind for finance. She started working at SqDC in July 2024 and easily integrated into the team. While she may have a quiet demeanour, her wit is anything but. Her perfectly timed, clever remarks have a way of leaving most of us speechless (in the best way possible).

Joleen is a passionate hockey fan who loves watching the game from the comfort of her home or the live arena. When she’s not cheering on her favourite team, she enjoys exploring waterfalls.
Fun Fact: If you talk to Joleen while she watches hockey, she will ignore you.

Chantel Walker

Senior Finance Officer
Chantel is practically part of the furniture here—one of the longest-standing team members and a key part of our financial operations. After seven years with SqDC, she knows the organization inside and out and isn’t afraid to speak up when something needs to be said. Raised in Agassiz, she brings experience and a deep connection to the community. Chantel probably has the biggest heart, always going out of her way to help those around her, especially the ones she calls friends.

When the workday ends and the numbers are set aside, Chantel shifts into mom mode, making sure her family is taken care of. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, tackling puzzles, and getting lost in a good book.
Fun Fact: Need a stunning charcuterie board or a perfectly crafted diaper cake? Chantel is your go-to.

Karen Pitman

Strategic Partnership Coordinator
Karen is a master of many trades and the glue that keeps our office running like clockwork. If you need to know something or get something done, ask Karen, and it will get done. With a background in management, admin, marketing, accounting, leasing, real estate, project management, and community relations, she is on point with managing our office and industry partnerships. It goes without saying that Karen brings colour, charm, and sophistication to our office.

Outside work, Karen is a creative and hands-on individual who enjoys jewellery making, painting, gardening, cooking, crafting, decorating, and entertaining.
Fun Fact: Karen used to be a competitive gymnast.

Nigel Selvadurai

Chief Executive Officer
"You don’t know what you don’t know." It’s one of Nigel’s favourite sayings, and if you’ve been around here long enough and still don’t know him after working for 15 years at Seabird Island Band, it’s time to fix that.

As our new CEO, Nigel brings a strong background in accounting and investments. He always knows when a good deal is on the table. Running his own real estate company on the side, he’s no stranger to making smart financial moves. Just be warned: If the conversation turns to real estate, you might find yourself scrolling through property listings before you know it.

Nigel holds a bachelor's degree in business administration, is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), and is a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager. He is passionate about building financial and administrative capacity to ensure the future prosperity of SqDC and Seabird Island. When he’s not leading the team at SqDC, Nigel is always on the move. If it’s a sport, chances are he’s tried it: surfing, tennis, swimming, you name it.
Fun Fact: Nigel’s go-to breakfast is a spinach salad. Don’t worry, he adds blueberries and dried cranberries, so it’s not just green.

Jon Espley-Jones

Chief Financial Officer
Jon is the financial architect behind SqDC’s growth and sustainability. Hand him a spreadsheet, and he’s in his element. But finance isn’t the only thing he’s passionate about. Jon runs on coffee, good conversation, and genuine care for the people around him. Whether fine-tuning financial strategies or catching up with the team over a cup of coffee, he brings expertise and heart to SqDC. Jon holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), making him a key player in shaping SqDC’s financial and strategic direction.
Outside of work, Jon loves firing up the BBQ and spending time with his wife, kids and dogs.
Fun Fact: Jon recently picked up a new hobby—drone flying.