About Carmacks
Development Corporation
The Carmacks Development Corporation (CDC) is the business arm of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation (LSCFN, the sole Shareholder). CDC operates throughout the traditional territory of LSCFN and has developed a number of exciting partnerships. CDC owns and manages commercial, industrial and residential properties in Carmacks and Whitehorse, Yukon.
CDC has been in business more than 25 years and currently owns and manages residential rental units in the community of Carmacks, Yukon.
In addition, the corporation solely owns and manages various commercial and industrial properties in Carmacks and has real estate investments in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.
The company engages in incubating LSCFN citizen businesses, business partnerships, ventures and investments.
Left Photo: Ron Gartshore, CEO, board members (l to r) Shannon Lachance, Sheila Garvice, Chair, Bernice Blattmann and Tanya Silverfox (former Chair). Inset photo: Cory Bellmore who was present via Zoom call.
Management
Ron has over 25 years providing management, business development, training and mentoring services, predominantly to Indigenous organizations in Yukon, NT, and Northern British Columbia.
Ron’s experience includes general manager position with indigenous corporations as well as five years experience Chief Operating Officer for a Yukon Development Corporation.
Ron’s government management experience includes a management position with Yukon Health & Social Services as well as three Directorships within the Alberta Government.
Ron has had executive political experience in the House of Commons as well as the Yukon Cabinet Office.
Ron has enjoyed working in Northern Canadian villages as well as NGO experience in China, Philippines and East Timor.
Desiree is Northern Tutchone from the Crow Clan, her native name is Ts’ekachua. She was born in the Yukon and lived most of her young life on the land learning the culture from her grandparents Roddy and Bessie Blackjack. As a young adult, she traveled & resided in different provinces in Canada gaining employment skills and business training through various educational institutes. She is a mother of two and an entrepreneur at heart.
Desiree’s goals are to help LSCFN in its path to self sufficiency, to own a holistic business, and to give her girls the skills to become independent and successful in life.
Lauren is a citizen of Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation, and from the wolf clan. She enjoys being outside in nature, where she spends most of her free time with her daughter and their dog. Carmacks is her hometown and wants to be a part of growing her community and making more opportunities for the citizens.
Lauren recently completed her 2-year Office Administration program at Yukon University in Carmacks. She’s excited to be a part of CDC and believes she’ll be a good addition to the company for years to come.
Kara is a member of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and is a part of the Daklaweidi (Killerwhale/Eagle) Clan. She has been living in Carmacks for approximately 7 years now with her partner and their two kids. Kara is also a university student studying Indigenous Governance at YukonU, with a previous Certificate in Heritage and Culture.
She travels and performs with the Dakhka Khwaan Dancers with her daughter. Kara began working with children and youth when she was only 13. She started off with coaching Gymnastics which turned into working and coordinating summer camps. Currently she coaches only Rifle Shooting in her spare time.
Kara wants to see her community of Carmacks reach their full potential. She hopes to bring and implement many opportunities for the youth and First Nation citizens in the community.
Rob is on contract with the Carmacks Development Corporation to provide maintenance and repair services. Rob has worked for the Village of Carmacks for 15 years undertaking all aspects of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, building maintenance, road maintenance as well as equipment operations and maintenance.
Danny Skookum
Environmental & Maintenance
Danny is a very talented LSCFN citizen who has undertaken various construction, maintenance and environmental monitoring projects during his career. Presently, Danny has been assisting in the repair and maintenance of the CDC Commercial Centre and recently finished all of the new floors and mouldings.
Danny has had environmental experience on the Mount Nansen projects and there are a number of opportunities for Danny to continue working with CDC.
Board of Directors
Sheila Garvice
Chair
A member of the crow clan and a citizen of LSCFN. Sheila has worked as the LSCFN’s Housing Manager for the past 7 years. Prior to working for LSCFN, she graduated in BC with a Business Certificate and currently sits on the RRC Board as Co-Chair for the last 8 years. She is a member of the Canadian Rangers and a volunteer with the local EMS. Sheila enjoys being out on the land or at home relaxing. Her passion is to be a part of CDC and the community and to help the corporation grow!
“I look forward to working with CDC and to be part of a great team!”
“All dreams can come true if we are brave enough to pursue it”
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow”
Bernice Blattmann
Treasurer
Bernice is a Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation citizen from the Crow Clan. She is a board member with the Carmacks Development Corporation, she is also the Treasurer.
Bernice is presently employed with LSCFN in the Finance Department as well as the Accounts Payable, she relocated back to Carmacks in March 2019 for her current employment. She was previously employed with Selkirk Development Corporation as their Finance Officer. Bernice attended the Yukon College and received her Certificate in Office Administration Accounting. She has many years of experience in Finance as well as work with the Selkirk Development Corporation.
Bernice’s goal is to assist with the growth and success of the Carmacks Development Corporation. She envisions it creating self-sufficiency for the Community and Citizens of LSCFN.
Shannon Lachance
Secretary
Shannon Lachance is a member of the crow clan of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation. She is married to Justin Lachance. Together they have two sons and a dog. They moved to Carmacks 5 years ago to raise their children near their culture and family. She is a teacher at Tantalus School and loves it. She enjoys doing outdoor activities, being out on the land, and visiting their cabin with her family. Her and her husband are teaching their boys their traditional values and the ways of their people. She values collaboration and community involvement and looks forward to being a part of the Carmacks Development Corporation for many years to come.
Cory Bellmore
Director
Cory has been the Board Chair, a board member and has held various roles for the Carmacks Development Corporation since 2003. She is currently the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Dawson, joining the City in March 2018. Previously, she was the Chief Administrative Officer for the Village of Carmacks, YT from 2006-2018. From 2003-2006, she served as a Council Member for the Village. She was a Director for Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation from 2001-2006.
Cory has served on numerous community boards and organizations over the years including the Yukon Imagination Library, Yukon Mine Training Association, Carmacks Recreation Board and Curling Club.
Cory earned an Arts and Science Certificate from Mount Royal College in 1999 and a Commerce Degree from the Hayskane School of Business, University of Calgary, in 2001.
Our Logo
CDC is proud of its logo. The very location of Carmacks has provided the inspiration. The logo represents the community and is symbolic of the river which has nurtured it for generations.
