Project Spotlight

Spotlight #1

Community Engagement – Project Spotlight 1 – C/TFN Comprehensive Community Planning (2019 - 2021)

Empowering Carcross/Tagish First Nation Through Comprehensive Planning: Funded by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, this pioneering project led by Gunta Business achieved remarkable community engagement for the Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) over two years. With over 600 survey responses and 200+ attendees at each pre-COVID event, the project transitioned smoothly to hybrid/virtual formats, maintaining significant participation and generating positive community feedback. This initiative has set a new standard for comprehensive community planning. Discover more at https://www.facebook.com/CarcrossCCP/

Spotlight #2

Community Engagement – Project Spotlight 2 – Dakhka Nation Building (Teslin, Carcross, Atlin) (2020-2022)

Fostering Unity Among Inland Tlingit Nations: Collaborating with the Teslin Tlingit Council, Carcross/Tagish First Nation, and Taku River Tlingit First Nation, this project aimed to strengthen governance and cooperation. Over two years, Gunta Business facilitated strategic engagements for the Steering Committee, helping to weave together the collective histories and aspirations of these Nations towards a unified future.

Spotlight #3

Community Engagement – Project Spotlight 3 – All Yukon Community Hybrid Tour (2021 + 2022)

Bridging Yukon Communities for Educational Excellence and Voting Reform: In an ambitious two-month timeframe, Gunta was tasked by a multiple federal task forces for both education and voting reform -  where Gunta was charged to design and deliver a comprehensive engagement program. These initiatives connected communities across Yukon through hybrid public meetings, fostering intimate and candid discussions about post-secondary educational experiences / voting reform in the federal election system . These projects underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue in shaping policy.

Spotlight #4

Community Engagement – Project Spotlight 4 – UNDRIP Roundtables (April 2023)

Inclusive Dialogues for Rights and Representation: Commissioned by AFN, Gunta designed and facilitated a series of hybrid/virtual engagements under the UNDRIP framework, bringing together diverse groups from regional communities. These roundtables provided a platform for YFN Youth, Elders, Women, LGBTQ2S+ Representatives, Leaders, and Legal Representatives to voice their perspectives, showcasing Gunta's expertise in fostering inclusive and meaningful discussions on rights and representation.

Spotlight #5

Community Engagement – Project Spotlight 5 – Community Economic Development (Teslin, Carcross, KDFN) (2015 - 2020)

Economic Empowerment through Community Engagement: Leveraging their expertise in community development, Gunta Business Consulting spearheaded a series of engagement events spanning Teslin, Carcross, and Kwanlin Dun First Nation (KDFN). These sessions, inspired by Teslin’s successful Community Development Planning process, incorporated keynote speakers, presentations, and facilitated dialogues. Filmed sessions, supplemented with interviews and graphic recordings, left a lasting impact, fostering inclusive economic planning practices. Learn more about this impactful initiative at guntabusiness.com/community-engagement.

Spotlight #6

Renewable Energy – Project Spotlight 6 – Biomass Energy Development in Yukon (2016-current)

Innovative Biomass District Heating Solutions: Spearheading the development of renewable energy in the Yukon, Gunta Business Consulting has played a pivotal role in transforming community energy infrastructure. Most notably, the firm has championed the deployment of a 1.5-megawatt biomass district heating system, servicing 15 buildings in Teslin, and has conducted comprehensive feasibility studies across Carcross, Whitehorse, Haines Junction, Dawson City, and Watson Lake. Their collaborative efforts with local experts and companies underline their commitment to sustainable community development, local employment, and significant reductions in GHG emissions. Learn more about this impactful initiative at guntabusiness.com/renewableenergy.

Spotlight #7

Business Planning – Project Spotlight 7 – Feasibility Studies, Business Planning, Business Workshops and Coaching (2012 - current)

Strategic Growth and Sustainability in the Arctic: Our commitment to fostering economic vitality and sustainability in the Arctic landscape drives our comprehensive business planning initiatives. With over a decade of experience, Gunta Business Consulting has been instrumental in guiding organizations through the intricacies of strategic growth and sustainability planning. Our approach transcends traditional analysis, encapsulating the entrepreneurial ethos to formulate innovative business models tailored to thrive in the unique challenges of Arctic environments. Through meticulous feasibility studies, robust business planning, and hands-on coaching, we empower businesses to navigate complexities and seize opportunities, ensuring long-term success. Join us in shaping a resilient Arctic economy. Explore our transformative business planning strategies at guntabusiness.com/business-planning.

Spotlight #8

Project Management - Project Spotlight 8 - YFN Final Agreements - Ch.22 Review (2021-2022)

Exploring the Impact of Indigenous Economic Development and Land Claims Agreements: In the wake of the Chapter 22 Review, Gunta Business Consulting orchestrated a series of insightful round table sessions, delving into the profound implications of Indigenous economic development and the implementation of land claims agreements in Yukon. These hybrid / virtual gatherings, hosted with finesse and moderated by esteemed figures like Tony Penikett, provided a platform for profound discussions and invaluable insights from key Indigenous economic partners across Whitehorse and surrounding communities.

Key Highlights:

• Round table #1: Community Development, Planning, and Collaboration

• Date: June 7, 2022

• Recording: Watch Here

• Description: This session spotlighted the community economic development efforts of the Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC), focusing on their history, challenges, and strategies for partnership and investment. Panel interviews with esteemed figures such as Doug Hogan and Brad Stoneman provided profound insights into TTC's journey and the impact of Indigenous rights recognition on economic conditions.

• Round table #2: YFN Final Agreements - Overview and History

• Date: July 18, 2022

• Recording: Watch Here

• Description: Delving into the implementation of land claims agreements in Yukon, this session emphasized maintaining the spirit and intent of these agreements. Grand Chief Peter Johnston and other notable panelists discussed Indigenous economic development partnerships, workforce development, and dispute resolution, highlighting key action items for continued progress.

• Round table #3: Public-Private Partnership & Strategic Investment

• Date: August 10, 2022

• Recording: Watch Here

• Description: Focusing on partnerships between First Nations and private sector businesses, this session explored examples in aviation, tourism, and land development. Panel interviews with industry leaders shed light on defining success, social impacts, and challenges in various sectors, showcasing partnerships as a strength in Yukon's economic development.

• Round table #4: Culture, Tourism & Re-emergence of Traditional Economy

• Date: September 22, 2022

• Recording: Watch Here

• Description: This session, facilitated by the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCT), explored the reemergence of traditional economies through the lens of Indigenous culture, arts, tourism, and celebrations. Panelists shared perspectives on indigenous language revitalization, youth engagement, and community economic opportunities, reflecting on the balance between tradition and innovation.

Spotlight #9

Event Management - Project Spotlight 9 – Ultra Complex Event Management (2018 - current)

From Hybrid Community Integration to International Convergence: At Gunta Business Consulting, we specialize in orchestrating ultra complex events that span the spectrum from local community engagement to global collaboration. Our expertise ranges from seamlessly integrating multiple communities into sophisticated hybrid events like the Yukon Heritage and Museums Association (YHMA) and Yukon Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (YSPOR), to orchestrating major international conferences such as the Arctic Arts Summit (AAS) and the International Conference on Permafrost (ICOP). In addition, our annual technical event management of the Yukon First Nation Education conferences, and the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce's Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference (AIIC) for the past three years, and the numerous YFN General Councils requiring multi-community connections showcase our proficiency in handling technologically sophisticated events with diverse stakeholders. Learn more about our Hybrid / Virtual event services at guntabusiness.com/services.

Spotlight #10

Broadcast Management – Project Spotlight 10 – Live Broadcast Expertise (2020 - Current)

Leading Global and Local Broadcasts: Gunta Business Consulting has mastered live broadcast management, designing, directing and delivering high-quality, reliable broadcasts across diverse platforms and environments.

Key Achievements:

• Arctic Inspiration Prize Award Show: Successfully technically led the global broadcast of this prestigious event for the past two years (watch the 2024 award show HERE).

• Sports Events and Leadership Debates: Provided live coverage of major sports events and televised leadership debates, ensuring seamless, real-time delivery.

• Remote and Adaptive Broadcasting: Developed capabilities to broadcast from any environment, ensuring flexibility and technical excellence in all conditions.

• Advanced Technology: Leveraged cutting-edge technology for engaging, dynamic broadcasts.

Learn more at Gunta Business Hybrid Services or check out our live broadcast coverage HERE!

Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) is one of over 160 First Nation communities across Canada currently embarking on an ambitious and exciting project to create a comprehensive community plan or CCP.

C/TFN would like to include all the communities and stakeholders of its entire Traditional Territory, which would include…Marsh Lake, Mount Lorne, Tagish, South Klondike, to find new ways of working together to create the future our communities desire.

This is a one of a kind process that’s never been done before. We are leading the way to create a new way of working together across boundaries and organizations for the betterment of our communities and our region.

Over the next two years we will, as a team, explore how we can better work together to see more action and change on issues that matter to everyone who lives, works and plays in these areas.

The Awakening the Greatness within Project is not about creating “another plan”. It is, at its core, about creating new ways of working together across the region to create the future. 

Gúnta Business Consulting is honored to facilitate this groundbreaking project.
To learn more about the Carcross CCP please visit us at the project website

Talk with our team today about how we can help your community realize its visions

Interview of Blair Hogan by Grand Chief Peter Johnston on CHON FM's Rock the Talk show, Jan 29, 2021. Discussion about Gunta Business’ response to Covid19 in providing an innovative solution for many community governments to provide virtual engagements and virtual general assemblies. Peter and Blair also discussed the Indigenous-led clean energy revolution and the Teslin Biomass project.

The Teslin Biomass Project

It is community development and infrastructure projects like the recently constructed road and subdivision in the community that generate a significant portion of incidentally harvested wood, or wood waste that supplies the heating local system. This wood is cleanly stacked on the job site and diverted to the Teslin biomass yard for storage, seasoning and then processing into wood fuel (wood chips). At the community biomass yard, wood is delivered and stored on-site for 1 to 2 years for seasoning (weather assisted drying), and then the seasoned round logs are then processed into 1) raw cants for local construction and 2) wood chips for biomass.

Once the wood is processed into wood chips, a delivery truck then takes the processed wood chips to the district energy centres across the community where they deliver the wood chips to the onsite storage bins. The wood chips are then pulled through a cork-screw conveyance system until it is combusted by the highly efficient wood-chip boiler system. This system heats water that is stored in an insulated water tank, until one of the connected buildings turns up the temperature demand, which then draws heated water from that tank to the building. The heat in the water is transferred to the building via a heat exchanger. Each building is monitored by heat metres that measure the amount of heat energy that is consumed in each building. This allows internal buildings to budget for cost and externally owned buildings (like the School) to pay for their heat, like their electricity bill, by the kilowatt hour.