Da Daghay Development Corporation — Building Prosperity through Partnership and Purpose

Across the Yukon, Indigenous Nations are shaping a new era of prosperity—one built on partnership, purpose, and long-term vision. At the center of this movement stands Da Daghay Development Corporation, (DDDC) the economic arm of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, leading an approach to development that is grounded in culture, community, and collaboration.

DDDC is the economic arm for my First Nation, which is the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council,” explains Tiffany Eckert-Maret, the corporation’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). “We signed our final agreement in 2002, which means we are a self-governing Nation.” The establishment of DDDC marked a turning point for Ta’an Kwäch’än, creating the foundation for an independent, Nation-driven economy designed for future generations.

Even before self-government, Ta’an Kwäch’än citizens were planning their economic future. “Before we signed, we had created DDDC through a numbered company called 12028 Yukon Inc., and the purpose of that was to create economic opportunities for the Nation,” says Eckert-Maret. What began as a small venture has grown into one of the Yukon’s most respected Indigenous-owned development corporations, managing a diverse portfolio that includes construction, energy, real estate, and joint-venture partnerships with leading northern companies.

DDDC’s work demonstrates how Indigenous economic design is reshaping Canada’s North. By building business models that align profit with community benefit, the corporation shows that economic reconciliation is not an abstract idea but a daily practice. Every project—whether a housing development, infrastructure investment, or service contract—reinforces Ta’an Kwäch’än’s long-term vision of self-reliance and prosperity.

Eckert-Maret leads the organization with a philosophy rooted in collaboration. “You can work together, right? You can have the same goals, and there’s more than enough money to share so that we all can win,” she says. “We firmly believe in that, and we do that as much as we can” . For her, partnership is not a compromise; it is a strategy for sustainable success.

That mindset reflects the heart of Indigenomics—the movement that places Indigenous Peoples at the center of economic design and growth. Indigenomics challenges the assumption that prosperity is competitive and instead calls for systems that are relational, regenerative, and inclusive. DDDC embodies this approach by proving that Indigenous-led businesses can deliver strong financial results while advancing collective well-being.

Through joint ventures and strategic alliances, DDDC ensures Ta’an Kwäch’än citizens benefit directly from economic activity on their traditional territory. The corporation has become known for balancing business success with social responsibility, prioritizing employment, training, and community investment in every initiative.

For Eckert-Maret, leadership means bringing others along. “When we can all win, it’s a better picture overall,” she explains. “It shows that we can do something differently—and we are doing something differently. Take that chance and don’t be afraid to line yourself up with a company that has the same values as yourself”.

That principle of alignment guides DDDC’s decisions. The corporation seeks out partners who respect Indigenous governance and share its long-term vision for the North. This values-based approach to development has earned it trust across sectors and strengthened its reputation as a reliable and visionary economic actor.

Eckert-Maret also emphasizes the importance of visibility. “We’re super excited that we have the opportunity to share our story,” she says. “We have to get our story out there because there are so many great stories across this country. There are 634 Nations that are making a difference, and if we all start highlighting the great things we’re doing, we’re going to prove to everyone that we are something to be reckoned with” .

Her words capture the spirit of the Indigenous economic movement sweeping across Canada. Indigenous Nations are no longer waiting to be invited into the economy; they are building, leading, and investing in it on their own terms. From the Yukon to Atlantic Canada, the message is the same: Indigenous prosperity is national prosperity.

DDDC’s portfolio continues to grow, guided by careful governance and a clear sense of purpose. Every investment supports the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council’s goals of sovereignty, opportunity, and cultural strength. By generating income and creating jobs, the corporation contributes directly to programs in education, housing, and youth development. Its success is measured not just in revenue, but in the resilience and confidence of the Nation it represents.

Eckert-Maret’s leadership reflects a new generation of Indigenous business thinking—one that blends traditional values with contemporary strategy. She and her team demonstrate that economic independence can be built through cooperation, transparency, and a shared commitment to the land and people.

Across the Yukon, DDDC has become a model for Indigenous corporate governance and collaboration. Its projects show that local ownership and stewardship can drive innovation and growth while respecting the environment and community priorities. The company’s steady rise illustrates how Indigenous Nations are redefining the fundamentals of economic design in the North.

As the Indigenomics movement continues to grow, organizations like DDDC are leading by example. They are proving that reconciliation can be expressed through the language of investment, that partnership can be rooted in respect, and that prosperity can be built with integrity and vision.

The story of Da Daghay Development Corporation is, in many ways, the story of modern Indigenous prosperity: grounded in history, guided by values, and focused on creating opportunities that will last for generations. Through its leadership and partnerships, the company is building not only a stronger Nation but a stronger North—one where collaboration and confidence shape the future of Canada’s Indigenous economy. This is Indigenomics in action.