About Us
Established in 2001, Xatśūll Development Corporation, in “limited partnership” with the Xatśūll First Nation, is a business development company, focused on leveraging traditional First Nations territorial rights & title through developing, partnering/owning and managing sustainable and profitable business ventures. Based in the beautiful and “resource rich” Cariboo region of British Columbia, Xatśūll Development Corporation is actively involved in the area’s forestry, mining, oil & gas, transportation, construction, and agriculture sectors.
Thomas Phillips
General Manager
Thomas is a member of the Xats’ull First Nation and has been with the Xats’ull First Nation and the Xats’ull Development Corporation in different capacities since 2003. Thomas recently took on a new role with the Xats’ull Development Corporation and is now the Forestry and Community Relations Manager.
In 2005, Thomas began working with the CEO, who had over 20 years of experience negotiating Impact Benefit Agreements and business development opportunities. This is where he gained valuable experience, negotiating partnerships within the mining, forestry, and oil and gas sectors.
He is currently working with the current CEO, focusing on helping identify viable business development opportunities. He is also spending more time identifying forestry business development opportunities.
Thomas can be reached at Thomas.Phillips@XatsullDevelopment.com or 250-267-6382.
Thomas Hoffman
Board Director
Tom currently serves as the Fibre Manager for Kruger Kamloops Pulp LP. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the University of Alberta in 1982 and holds registration as a Professional Forester in both Alberta (now retired) and British Columbia.
With nearly four decades of experience in the forest industry, Tom has worked across various sectors including OSB, pulp, and sawmills. His roles have encompassed Woodlands Manager, Sawmill Superintendent, and Vice President of Forestry Operations. Joining Domtar/Kruger in March 2020 marked his second stint in the pulp mill sector.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Tom actively engages in community service, serving as a board member for the TRU Foundation since 2021 and holding the position of Vice-President at Community Futures BC. He has also chaired the Northern Development Initiative Trust and has been a member of Rotary for a decade. Additionally, Tom has contributed his expertise as a former board member of the Association of BC Forest Professionals. Tom has been happily married to Wendy for 40 years, and together they have three adult children and two grandchildren. In his leisure time, he enjoys pursuits such as flying, hiking, and fishing.
Lisa Wolfe, B.A., CAPA
Board Director
Lisa is a communications specialist who has worked in numerous industries. She is known as a networking extraordinaire and thrives on making introductions where she sees potential for collaboration.
Lisa was the Manager of Training for the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of BC (AFOABC) from 2014-2019, working with BC and Alberta Indigenous communities in capacity building, governance, human resources and financial management. She has also worked with Indigenous entrepreneurs, non-profits, and for-profit companies, helping to foster mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships. Fostering relationships has included social investment, procurement, and training opportunities.
As Principal of SpiritWolfe Consulting & Associates, her work has included writing a workforce plan for Haisla Nation, as well as conducting primary and secondary research to create a framework for an Indigenous Career Youth Network. She is currently an executive in residence (Indigenous Relations) with Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre and does sponsorship sales for the Bears’ Lair TV show & youth camps.
Jason Rasevych
Board Director
Jason is from Ginoogaming First Nation, a Treaty #9 signatory in Northwestern Ontario. He takes his Aboriginal and Treaty rights very seriously and promotes a worldview shaped on the family trapline at a young age.
Jason is an executive advisor with over 20 years of global experience leading Indigenous community development and Corporate Indigenous relations strategies and a proven track record for advancing major infrastructure projects and resource development.
He has deep knowledge of First Nations’ rights through his involvement in regulatory processes, permitting, complex tripartite negotiations between Indigenous communities, industry proponents, and governments. He is recognized as one of Canada’s top economic developers and has secured more than $750 million for capital projects, legacy infrastructure, and business expansion with Indigenous communities.
Bob Piderman, CFP
Board Director
Bob currently serves as a Business Analyst for Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin. He has extensive experience in financial planning, economic development, and strategic business analysis.
With over 40 years of experience in finance and economic development, Bob has held various roles, including Consumer and Commercial Lender at a chartered Canadian bank, Financial Planner and Investment Adviser, and Business Analyst. His expertise includes risk assessment, strategic planning, and guiding entrepreneurs through start-up and succession planning processes to foster sustainable community growth.
Bob has also been deeply involved in his community, contributing to various initiatives over the years. As Captain of the Central Cariboo Search and Rescue Auto Extrication Team, Bob leads critical response initiatives, showcasing leadership under pressure. Additionally, he has participated in organizations such as Kinsmen and Rotary and has coached and managed youth sports teams.
Bob has been married for over 40 years. He enjoys engaging in outdoor activities and supporting his community in various capacities.