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Finning Canada and Williams Lake First Nation sign economic agreement for a second year in a row

Finning Canada and Williams Lake First Nation celebrated a milestone in economic reconciliation on Friday, June 27, 2025 at our Kamloops facility, with the signing of a mutually beneficial economic agreement, rooted in trust, inclusion, and shared opportunity.

“This partnership shows what’s possible when companies take meaningful steps toward economic reconciliation—not just through words, but through action and shared decision-making,” said Chief Willie Sellars. “It’s about building capacity, creating opportunity, and making sure our voice is heard in the economic future of our territory.”

Williams Lake First Nation, located in central British Columbia, brings valuable local expertise and community connections to the partnership. The agreement focuses on working together in mining, forestry, and construction projects within the WLFN Stewardship Area.

Chief Willie Sellars and members of the Williams Lake First Nations Council perform ceremonial drumming before the signing. Chief Willie Sellars and members of the Williams Lake First Nations Council perform ceremonial drumming before the signing.
Chief Willie Sellars and members of the Williams Lake First Nations Council perform ceremonial drumming before the signing.
Cody Broster and Chief Willie Sellars shake hands after signing the mutually beneficial economic agreement. Cody Broster and Chief Willie Sellars shake hands after signing the mutually beneficial economic agreement.
Cody Broster and Chief Willie Sellars shake hands after signing the mutually beneficial economic agreement.

Cody Broster, Head of Coals and Metals Mining at Finning Canada and Chief Willie Sellars formalized the partnership during a traditional ceremony. Representatives from WLFN's Chief and Council and Culture and Language team led the signing ceremony with drumming and singing, and gifted Finning with a print to commemorate the ceremonial partnership and serving as a permanent reminder of the commitment to Indigenous business relationships.

"We recognize that strong partnerships with Indigenous communities are essential for building a sustainable future," shared Cody. "This agreement with Williams Lake First Nation reflects our commitment to fostering genuine relationships that benefit both our organizations and the communities we serve."

This agreement demonstrates how economic partnerships can drive meaningful reconciliation," said Derek Funk, Indigenous Business Development Manager for BC at Finning Canada.

"I'm proud to be part of a company that is taking a leadership role in building these relationships with Indigenous nations", added Derek.

The ceremony and economic agreement, in its second year, marked a significant step in building a long-term relationship with the WLFN. 

More about Williams Lake First Nations

The Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN), or the T’exelcemc (people of WLFN) have belonged to the Secwépemc (or Shuswap) Nation for over 6,500 years. Today, the WLFN community includes a growing population of over 800 registered members who live in the community of T’exelc, in nearby Williams Lake, BC, and across the globe. One of 17 Secwépemc nations forming Secwepemcúl’ecw, the greater stewardship land area extends from Shuswap Lake in the south, to Quesnel Lake in the north, and from Columbia-Kootenay Range in the east, to the Alexis Creek area in the west. 

Finning is the world's largest Caterpillar dealer, selling, renting and providing parts and service for equipment and engines to customers across diverse industries, including mining, construction, petroleum, forestry and a wide range of power systems applications. We operate in Western Canada, South America, and UK and Ireland.