Indigenous Partnerships

His career began as the owner of a successful construction company, where he gained extensive hands-on experience and developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector.

Currently, Stephen serves as the President and owner of Indigenous Consulting Partnerships Inc., a company dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities through strategic partnerships, economic development, and capacity-building initiatives. His work focuses on facilitating partnerships between Indigenous groups and businesses, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives and priorities are at the forefront of every project.

Known for his ability to connect people and ideas, Stephen's leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have made him a sought-after consultant and advisor. He is passionate about driving economic development, supporting sustainability initiatives, and helping Indigenous communities navigate complex business landscapes. Stephen is also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of Indigenous leaders, using his vast knowledge and experience to inspire others to reach their full potential.

Through his work, Stephen Gaspard continues to create opportunities for his community while advocating for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to business and development. His dedication to both his heritage and his profession makes him a dynamic force in the field of Indigenous consulting.

Beginning in 2009, Matthew served as an external consultant to the Haisla Nation in Kitimat, British Columbia. In this capacity, his mandate focused on the strategic creation, negotiation, and management of the Nation's key joint ventures and corporate partnerships, specifically driving integration with LNG proponents and their tier-one Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors. These collaborative ventures generated over $1 billion in business and catalyzed a profound economic transformation within the Haisla Nation, most notably reducing unemployment from 60% to near-zero during peak project activity.

Recognizing this systemic impact, the Government of British Columbia appointed Matthew to the Provincial LNG Working Committee under former Premier Christy Clark, a position he held until 2015. While he formally concluded his dedicated tenure with the Haisla people in 2016, he maintains close advisory relationships with the Nation's leadership to this day.

Throughout his professional journey, Matthew has worked extensively across Western Canada, cultivating high-value relationships and driving sophisticated economic initiatives. His notable experience includes collaboration with the Squamish Nation and the Kitselas First Nation in Terrace, British Columbia. Through these engagements, he has successfully navigated complex regulatory environments, facilitated high-stakes commercial joint ventures, and ensured that community values remain central to major resource and infrastructure developments.

As a Senior Partner at ICPI, Matthew focuses on architecting robust strategic partnerships, unlocking complex procurement structures, and delivering long-term commercial capacity for First Nations partners. His comprehensive mastery of Indigenous relations, combined with sharp corporate acumen, makes him a vital asset to both ICPI and the client communities the firm represents on major capital projects.

Matthew is a board member of the Washington Kids Foundation, and resides in Calgary with his wife, Holly, and children, Emily and Sam. He holds leadership positions with ChillyOnes Beverages Inc, and has holdings within the aviation sector in the State of Hawaii.

Chief Jacob's leadership was integral to the historic joint bid for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games by the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations. He served as a key representative on the VANOC board and helped broker land legacies and economic partnerships, including the establishment of the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler — a lasting legacy of Indigenous presence and pride on the world stage.

Under his guidance and collaborative planning, the Squamish Nation has expanded significant real estate and business initiatives, transforming into major metropolitan builders and achieving strong financial self-determination. His vision for Nation-led economic development has set a benchmark for Indigenous communities across the country.

Chief Jacob has been honoured twice with Vancouver Magazine's Power 50 Award, and has received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Senate 150 Medal, and the BC Aboriginal Business Award — recognition of his enduring impact on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

In recent years, he co-founded Treasure Box Entertainment to produce documentary programming capturing the traditional teachings and wisdom of Indigenous elders for future generations — ensuring that cultural knowledge is preserved and shared for decades to come.