The B.C. Chamber of Commerce has added two new members to its board of directors – both Indigenous leaders from Kamloops.

Board chair Joelle Westlund says Korah DeWalt-Gagnon and George Casimir will bring strength and broader perspectives to the organization and its member Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade.

“We have advanced gender parity on the Board over the years, and with our commitment to continued improvements, we recognize the need for diversity of thought and experience that contribute to more strategic, collaborative, and effective decision making,” Westlund said, in a statement.

DeWalt-Gagnon, a member of the member of Tk’emlups te Secwepemc, is currently First Nations coordinator for New Gold’s New Afton Mine near Kamloops. Casimir, also of a Tk’emlups member, has worked as general manager for Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations.

“As the largest and most broadly based business organization in the province, the addition of Ms. DeWalt-Gagnon and Mr. Casimir further enhances the Board composition with representatives from different regions, backgrounds, and industries,” added Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce.

“I know the new Directors have ideas and perspectives that will help the BC Chamber of Commerce approach and address matters relating to diversity, inclusion and reconciliation in thoughtful ways that will help us make steady progress.”