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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膷ma Enterprises. 

Known by his traditional name, 铅峁嚸璼岣穉千测虚岣访璼鈥攍oosely translated as 鈥渆agle screeching throughout the beaches of the world鈥濃�擶ilson hails from the Ha铆色zaqv (Heiltsuk) community of Bella Bella. His path reflects a balance between cultural grounding and professional evolution. 

鈥淚鈥檓 a fisherman on sabbatical,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what I鈥檇 prefer to do more than anything else.鈥� 

As environmental and economic realities shifted, Wilson made the decision to pursue a new path鈥攐ne that would eventually lead him into banking, economic development, and the Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA (IBL EMBA) at 天美mv天美鈥檚 Beedie School of Business. 

A career built on adaptability and community

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

鈥淚鈥檝e always been interested in business,鈥� he says. 鈥淚鈥檝e seen it in my family, going back four generations鈥攚hether it was fishing, running a local store, or starting small ventures.鈥� 

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. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 something I had considered at first,鈥� he says. 鈥淏ut it challenged me and opened new opportunities.鈥� 

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

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

A key factor in choosing 天美mv天美 Beedie was the program鈥檚 flexibility and its integration of Indigenous perspectives. 鈥淚t allowed me to continue working while going to school,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd it respected Indigenous ways of knowing, which made a difference.鈥� 

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. 

鈥淭hese were mature students with lived experience,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hat made the conversations and the learning more meaningful. I still have connections with people from my cohort and beyond. They鈥檙e respected colleagues and friends.鈥� 

Shaping a leadership philosophy

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

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

He points to courses in business law and business philosophy as particularly influential, especially those that incorporated Indigenous perspectives. 鈥淚 found those courses refreshing,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hey brought in perspectives that aren鈥檛 always considered in traditional business education.鈥� 

Leading economic development with purpose

In his current role at Tii膷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. 

鈥淭his work is about creating opportunities for KCFN Citizens, intergenerationally,鈥� he says. 

Advice for future students

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

鈥淟ook at all your options and see what aligns with your values and priorities,鈥� he says. 鈥淎sk questions and get the information you need. It鈥檚 not something to enter into lightly. Make sure you鈥檙e ready and that your family supports you, because it takes time and energy.鈥� 

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

鈥淚t鈥檚 a challenge,鈥� he says. 鈥淏ut it improves your skillset, your mindset, and gives you a sense of accomplishment.鈥� 

A continuing journey

Wilson鈥檚 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. 

鈥淚鈥檝e always had an interest in business and community development,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd I continue to work in this space.鈥�