Overview of Ch'nook

Ch'nook Indigenous Business Education is a unique initiative founded by the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

Established to address the needs of sustainable economic development in Indigenous communities, Ch’nook also recognizes the importance of celebrating the accomplishments of existing successful Indigenous business leaders, organizations, and current students pursuing business education.

The name "Ch’nook" was chosen as a reminder of the Chinook jargon (pronounced Ch’nook) used in earlier times as the language of trade.

Our history

Ch’nook was founded when the late Maurice Young and John McArthur provided the initial resources and encouragement to focus attention on Indigenous business education. Dr. Jo-ann Archibald, then Director of the First Nations House of Learning, and Dr. John Claxton from the Sauder School of Business, drawing heavily upon the success of the longstanding UBC Native Teacher Education Program (NITEP), developed an initial plan. Since then, Ch’nook has become a leading organization in the development and encouragement of business education for Indigenous students and professionals.

What we do

Ch'nook is focused on developing leadership and management skills needed for business success and economic independence. We provide high-level educational opportunities to students requiring the knowledge needed to compete in tomorrow’s world.

How we do it

Working with community, business, and academic partners, Ch'nook promotes business as a viable career choice for Indigenous students and supports them in achieving their education in management and business. Ch'nook contributes to community-based economic development through its dual focus on fostering student interest in and engagement with business education opportunities and on supporting Indigenous business leaders and entrepreneurs in developing crucial business skills and capabilities.