Co-operatives First Welcomes Shawn Bonnough as New Community Engagement Coordinator

May 05, 2025 — Co-operatives First is thrilled to announce Shawn Bonnough as our new Community Engagement Coordinator, based in Kamloops, BC. This exciting new role is a partnership with Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN). Shawn brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to entrepreneurship and economic development across British Columbia.

As a facilitator, consultant, and instructor, Shawn is a former associate professor at Royal Roads University, and has created and delivered Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic development programs at the University of Victoria. He has worked extensively with local governments and economic development groups at the community level to develop projects and capacity.

With a strong track record of building relationships with community partners, government agencies, First Nations leaders, and more, Shawn is well-equipped to strengthen our relationships in BC, particularly with Indigenous communities. His expertise will be instrumental in promoting co-op education and supporting the creation of co-operatives in the region.

“Shawn’s impressive experience in economic development and his passion for Indigenous entrepreneurship make him an ideal fit for this role,” said Audra Krueger, Executive Director of Co-operatives First. “We’re excited to see how he will help us deepen our connections within British Columbian communities and promote the benefits of co-operatives.”

As Community Engagement Coordinator, Shawn will focus on expanding our outreach and providing resources to leaders and entrepreneurs who want to start co-operative ventures. His presence and experience supporting communities will help ensure Co-operatives First is reaching people across Western Canada and helping them to reach their goals.

 

For inquiries, please contact:

Aasa Marshall
Director of Communications
Co-operatives First
aasa@cooperativesfirst.com

“Heather and the team at Co-operatives First are top-notch. Not only their knowledge but their understanding of the project. They have truly helped us along every step of the way. Their timely response and knowledge of the steps are extraordinary. They are forthcoming with information. This is one of the most knowledgeable and friendliest teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

Weyburn Theatre

“Co-operatives First made the process of establishing our Artisan Co-operative a very clear and easy process. The expanse of available tools and resources provided by Co-operatives First answers many questions and lightens the workload. Greatly appreciate having the connections made with Trista and Kyle, they keep the co-operative moving forward.”

Nehiyawaskiy Indigenous Peoples Art Co-op

“Our experience working with the Co-operatives First team was absolutely fabulous. The staff was accommodating, knowledgeable and patient. It was truly a breath of fresh air to have such a wealth of skill and resources available to a non-profit. They were invaluable to our successful launch!”

Heart Linked Community Services Cooperative

“Working with Co-operatives First was fantastic! We are still new to the cooperative world, and we relied heavily on their advice and expertise when drafting our rules/bylaws, and our memorandum of association. The team has experience with many different cooperative models, so they provided advice on what has and hasn’t worked for other cooperatives. We wouldn’t have been able to incorporate without their help!”

Ananda Cooperative

“We have had a very positive experience with everyone at Co-operatives First. They have helped us in multiple ways. Right from the first step in knowing how to incorporate, how to set our business and offering ideas for us to help steer us in the right direction plus allowing us to really make our own decisions. If our decisions go off track, they have gently guided us back to where we needed to be. The Co-operatives first guys are always eager to answer questions, and give ideas to us that got us off the ground.”

South East Butcher Block