911勛圖

A career shaped by community, adaptability, and lived experience has guided Gary Wilson to his current role as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Economic Development at Tii��ma Enterprises. 

Known by his traditional name, レ廜�穩s廎戢ロ聆剞廎溼貞���loosely translated as ���eagle screeching throughout the beaches of the world������Wilson hails from the Ha穩伎zaqv (Heiltsuk) community of Bella Bella. His path reflects a balance between cultural grounding and professional evolution. 

���I���m a fisherman on sabbatical,��� he says. ���That���s what I���d prefer to do more than anything else.��� 

As environmental and economic realities shifted, Wilson made the decision to pursue a new path���one that would eventually lead him into banking, economic development, and the Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA (IBL EMBA) at 911勛圖���s Beedie School of Business. 

A career built on adaptability and community

Wilson���s early exposure to business came from his family and community, where entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency were part of everyday life. 

���I���ve always been interested in business,��� he says. ���I���ve seen it in my family, going back four generations���whether it was fishing, running a local store, or starting small ventures.��� 

That interest led him into banking, where he spent 15 years with CIBC, progressing from teller to regional manager for Aboriginal banking across British Columbia and Yukon. ���It wasn���t something I had considered at first,��� he says. ���But it challenged me and opened new opportunities.��� 

After leaving banking, Wilson moved into economic development, working closely with First Nations communities. Today, he leads Tii��ma Enterprises, focusing on sustainable economic growth and creating long-term opportunities for the Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h'��涌irst Nations. ���I���ve always worked in this space in some form or fashion,��� he says. 

Taking a leap with the IBL EMBA

Wilson joined the second cohort of the IBL EMBA program after learning about it while working in his home community. 

���I took a leap of faith and applied,��� he says. ���The timing worked for me���I wanted to do it before I turned 50, and it fit with my personal and professional plans.��� 

A key factor in choosing 911勛圖 Beedie was the program���s flexibility and its integration of Indigenous perspectives. ���It allowed me to continue working while going to school,��� he says. ���And it respected Indigenous ways of knowing, which made a difference.��� 

More than a degree: A network of leaders

While the program strengthened his knowledge across areas such as finance, communications, and human resources, Wilson highlights the value of learning alongside experienced peers. 

���These were mature students with lived experience,��� he says. ���That made the conversations and the learning more meaningful. I still have connections with people from my cohort and beyond. They���re respected colleagues and friends.��� 

Shaping a leadership philosophy

Wilson credits the program with helping him refine his leadership approach. 

���It had an impact on how I lead,��� he says. ���It helped me improve what I was already doing.��� 

He points to courses in business law and business philosophy as particularly influential, especially those that incorporated Indigenous perspectives. ���I found those courses refreshing,��� he says. ���They brought in perspectives that aren���t always considered in traditional business education.��� 

Leading economic development with purpose

In his current role at Tii��ma Enterprises, Wilson applies both his professional experience and cultural knowledge to guide strategic decision-making. The organization focuses on fostering sustainable economic growth through collaboration, operational strength, and strong partnerships, ensuring long-term benefits for current and future generations. 

���This work is about creating opportunities for KCFN Citizens, intergenerationally,��� he says. 

Advice for future students

For those considering the IBL EMBA, Wilson encourages careful consideration and preparation. 

���Look at all your options and see what aligns with your values and priorities,��� he says. ���Ask questions and get the information you need. It���s not something to enter into lightly. Make sure you���re ready and that your family supports you, because it takes time and energy.��� 

At the same time, he highlights the long-term benefits. 

���It���s a challenge,��� he says. ���But it improves your skillset, your mindset, and gives you a sense of accomplishment.��� 

A continuing journey

Wilson���s career reflects a consistent focus on growth, community, and leadership. From fishing to banking to economic development to education, and on-going learning, each step has contributed to the leader he is today. 

���I���ve always had an interest in business and community development,��� he says. ���And I continue to work in this space.���