Nuanced. 76. Mathew Point: First Nation Housing On-Reserve
Mathew Point and Aaron Pete sit down to discuss his business Creek Cedar Construction. Mr. Point believes in building up capacity of his employees, supporting their personal/professional development, and reinvesting in First Nation communities. Aaron and Mathew talk about National Truth & Reconciliation Day, careers in trades, housing in Indigenous communities, sobriety and First Nation economies.
Mathew grew up on Seabird Island, working periodically with various trade industries before graduating high school. He attended the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) over several years periodically mostly focused on sciences. He dropped out after not being able to focus on his studies. He battled addiction over the years until he committed to his sobriety in 2019. From there, he focused his energy on recovery and his career. Mathew worked with Stqoya Construction on Seabird Island, climbed the ranks and quickly became the foreman.
Shortly after, Mathew chose to focus his energy on politics within Seabird Island Band. He split his time between council work and to help a former employer develop a new company called Tuya. Mathew saw this company go from a 3 man crew to a multimillion dollar company in 2 years, and felt the urge to start his own business. Mathew resigned from his position on council and put his energy and focus into Creek Cedar Contracting. His business focuses on providing employment, mentorship and services to First Nation people and First Nation communities in the lower-mainland. Learn more about Cedar Creek Construction: https://www.creekcedar.com/