SqDC Updates
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Who We are

In the heart of Stó:lō territory, where the land and waters have sustained our people for generations, Sqéwqel Development Corporation (SqDC) is building an economy that will sustain Seabird Island First Nation for generations to come.

Established in 2014, SqDC was created with a clear purpose: to generate long-term prosperity for today and the future. Operating independently from Band governance, we are more than a business entity; we are stewards of Seabird Island’s economic future. With deep respect for the land, the people, and traditions, we manage Seabird Island’s enterprises, create new opportunities, and oversee land use to ensure responsible, sustainable growth.

Every investment, business venture, and partnership is made with one goal in mind: to build wealth, opportunity, and self-sufficiency for Seabird Island. By leveraging the Nation’s rights and resources, SqDC generates revenue both on and off-reserve, opening doors to new economic opportunities while staying true to our values. Through job creation, training programs, and strategic partnerships, we are laying the foundation for a future where Seabird Island is strong, independent, and thriving.

SqDC isn’t just about building businesses; it’s about building a legacy and ensuring that future generations inherit a community that is prosperous, empowered, and firmly rooted in its cultural strength.

VIsion

Building a strong, sustainable economy that supports Seabird Island First Nation’s economic independence and self-sufficiency, rooted in Stó:lō culture, traditions, and values.

Mission

Sqéwqel Development Corporation (SqDC) drives economic growth for Seabird Island First Nation by creating and managing businesses, developing land, pursuing off-reserve investments, and forming strategic industry partnerships. We generate long-term wealth, create sustainable employment, and support entrepreneurship, reducing reliance on external funding and advancing Seabird Island’s vision of self-sufficiency and self-governance.

CORE Values

Accountability

Balance

Community First

Integrity

Respect

Sustainability

Transparency

Self-sufficiency

Meet the Team

Nigel Selvadurai

Chief Executive Officer
Meet Nigel

Jon Espley-Jones

Chief Financial Officer
Meet Jon

Rovielyn Correia

Assistant Controller

Carla Pretorius

Communications  Manager

Chantel Walker

Senior Finance Officer

Antoinette Struwig

Multimedia Designer

Karen Pitman

Strategic Partnership Coordinator

Brady Redden

Project Coordinator

Bryon Mason

Finance Administrator

Joleen Peters

Payroll and Accounts Payable

Emma Albeluhn

Administrative Assistant

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.