Who we are
Honouring the land, building for the future
BC Indigenous Land Development Society (BCILDS) is an Indigenous-led organization supporting real estate development that focuses on empowering Indigenous communities across British Columbia and beyond.
We provide expertise in feasibility analysis, procurement, governance, and economic development to help Indigenous organizations plan, fund, and deliver housing and community infrastructure projects.
With an all-Indigenous board, we are currently involved in delivering and managing the capital assets of over 1800 housing units in Vancouver's Lower Mainland, in partnership with government and community stakeholders.
At BCILDS, we honour the land and build for the future—ensuring development is led by Indigenous philosophy and values.
Our team
Vanessa Mountain
V.P., Properties and Land Development
Vanessa Mountain, a proud member of the N’quatqua Band of the St’at’imc Nation, carries the traditional name Kayaya. She has also been honored with the name T’sundi’gumgila’ogwa, gifted by her husband’s family.
Vanessa began her professional journey in the financial services sector, steadily advancing through leadership roles at a major financial institution. Her career evolved toward Indigenous economic development, where she designed and implemented programs that support capacity building within Aboriginal organizations. In particular, she has focused on fostering entrepreneurship by equipping individuals with access to capital and the business knowledge necessary for sustainable success.
In addition to her executive leadership, Vanessa contributes to several governance roles. She serves on the Board of Directors for The Bloom Group Society, which provides vital support services in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. She is also a Trustee for a significant trust on behalf of the St’at’imc Nation and was recently appointed to the Board of TTQ Development Corporation, the economic development entity of the Douglas First Nation.
Vanessa currently applies her diverse expertise in her role as Vice President of the BC Indigenous Land Development Society, she brings a strategic and community-centered approach to advancing Indigenous-led land development initiatives across British Columbia.
Helen Song
Director, Properties and Land Development
Helen Song is a seasoned real estate development professional with over two decades of experience spanning the private sector and public housing sector, entrepreneurial ventures, and company startups. Her areas of expertise include development and project management, portfolio strategy, design and construction, and real estate marketing and communications.
Helen has led and delivered a diverse range of projects—from heritage conversions, on Nation housing, to large-scale high-rise developments in Western Canada. As a co-founder and principal of other development consulting firms, Helen has directly overseen project delivery while driving strategic business growth. Her work has included start ups for overseas real estate developers seeking to establish a presence in Canadian markets, where she has served as a trusted advisor navigating cross-cultural, market-entry challenges.
Helen also brings valuable experience in social enterprise projects, including affordable homeownership and asset-based community development. Her academic background in design, with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, complements her technical leadership, while her designation as a Certified Project Manager ensures a high standard of delivery across complex initiatives.
In her role with BCILDS, Helen contributes a global perspective and entrepreneurial insight to Indigenous-led land development initiatives. Her commitment to sustainable, community-based real estate aligns with the Society’s mission to advance self-determination and economic opportunity for Indigenous communities in BC and beyond.
