Appointed in August 2023, Rosemary Stager is the first woman to become CEO of the Líl̓wat Business Group (LBG). She brings extensive experience in the administration of Indigenous organizations to this role with the Líl̓wat Nation’s arms-length economic development corporation. Rosemary’s involvement with LBG dates back more than a decade. As a council member for Líl̓wat Nation, Rosemary held the Economic Development portfolio for much of the 12 years she was in office, developing a solid understanding of regional business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and how to best address community needs.
Before assuming the role of CEO with LBG, Rosemary worked for almost a decade in the health care sector in senior leadership positions including Executive Director at the Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society and Health Director for the Southern Stl’atl’imx Health Society.
Deeply committed to community, Rosemary is a determined capacity-builder. She is dedicated to investigating new business prospects, expanding LBG’s offerings and building on existing projects to bring greater prosperity to Líl̓wat families through the development of more well-paying jobs and training opportunities.
Rosemary’s passion for Indigenous advocacy and leadership stems from her upbringing as the daughter of the late Stl’atl’imx Hereditary Chief Allen Stager. The mother of four adult children, Rosemary is also the grandmother of seven. She shares her life with her husband, Án̓wasúlmec Brett Wallace in their home in Líl̓wat Nation. Both she and Brett spend time exploring what Nt̓ákmen (The Ways of Our Ancestors) means and participating in cultural events.
About Líĺwat Business Group
The Líĺwat Business Group (LBG) is committed to building a sustainable economy for Líl̓wat Nation that respects Lil̓wat7úl culture and values. LBG takes a collaborative, transparent and forward-facing approach to its endeavours, whether expanding its existing businesses or developing projects that re-establish the Nation’s presence on its Territory in Whistler and Pemberton. We are meeting our commitment to our community through strong management, capacity-building projects, and productive partnerships with regional businesses.
LBG’s mandate is to operate profitable businesses that allow for significant reinvestment in the community, through financial contributions that support Nation initiatives, and provide employment and training opportunities for Líl̓wat Nation citizens. Currently, LBG employs more than 100 people across its five limited partnerships: Líl̓wat Retail Operations, Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures, Líl̓wat Construction Enterprises, Líl̓wat Capital Assets and Líl̓wat Management Services.
All LBG projects are carefully assessed to ensure Aboriginal Title and Rights and the Líl̓wat Nation’s Inherent Right to Self-Government are not negatively impacted.