Christopher McCurry

CEO, ʔaq̓am Community Enterprises

Christopher has worked for the ʔaq̓am community for five and a half years.  He brings with him twenty plus years of experience in multiple management, sales and marketing and public relations roles in the resort and tourism industry. He brings a diploma in resort management and four years of post secondary in education, business and economic development.

He is passionate about living and playing in mountains and has a deep love for Kootenay region. He is married and busy raising two young children in the community of Kimberley, BC.

Ryan Phillips-Clement

Business Development Assistant

Ryan Phillips-Clement was born in Cranbrook, BC and raised in the community of ʔaq̓am. Graduating from Mt. Baker Secondary in 2012, he is now looking to finish his diploma in Business Administration - Accounting at College of the Rockies. Ryan is proud to serve the community that raised him, and looks forward to working with ACE on the variety of projects that are taking shape. With a strong passion for team sports, Ryan brings a great sense of communication, teamwork, and reliability to the ACE workforce. 

Sandra Van Steijn

Board Member

Sandra Van Steijn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from the Casino, Recreation and Hospitality Industries as well as from several successful entrepreneurial ventures.   

Originally from The Netherlands, Mrs Van Steijn has worked in a variety of cities across in Canada and the United States providing consulting services and running her own businesses.  She is currently the General Manager at the St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino. 

Marty Williams

Board Member

Graduated from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology - Integrated Resource Management Program, Energy Tipi Pole Holder since 2011, worked in Resource Management, MInistry of Forests - Fire Protection, Silviculture, Archeaology Field Technician, Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement,  Hydro Impact Technician, served as ʔaq̓am Councillor - Ktunaxa Nation Executive Council  2012 - 2016, ʔaq̓am Community Enterprises - Board of Directors

Becky Pelkonen

Board Member

Becky comes to us with a wealth of experience in indigenous economic, business and tourism development.  She was influential in working with ʔaq̓am Council to establish ʔaq̓am Community Enterprises as previous Director of Community & Economic Development.  While also now a welcomed Board Member for ACE, she is the principal of Handspun Consulting where she continues to focus on community and economic development projects as well as in advising and coaching both business and non-profit Boards to strengthen their capacity and impact.  She is also an instructor and researcher with the College of the Rockies in both the Business and Tourism/Recreation Management Programs.