Forum 2026: Bryce Starlight likes to make the impossible happen

Bryce Starlight says his experience supporting prosperity and self-determination with the Tsuut’ina Nation has convinced him it is a critical factor in driving successful Indigenous Reconciliation.

As Vice President of Business Development of Taza Development Corp., Starlight has seen the impact of one of North America’s largest Indigenous economic development projects on Tsuut’ina land in southwest Calgary.

Starlight plays a pivotal role in aligning traditional values with modern economic practices, and he shared his experiences with students and community members at a recent Forum hosted by the School of Public Policy.

“I don’t have to compromise my heritage or culture to advocate for economics,” Starlight, a UCalgary alum who earned a BA with a major in political science, told the audience in explaining his efforts to empower Indigenous communities and foster collaboration with business and industry.

Starlight, who began his career with the Nation managing energy, public policy and government consultation files said the company is driven by a commitment to transparency, open dialogue and enabling choice for members of the First Nation.

Taza’s development projects all have a long-term vision of sustainability for communities, said Starlight, adding his approach to leadership reflects a commitment to reconciliation through development towards a future that honors the past.

“Alignment between the community’s own economic and political outcomes has to be a priority,” he explained. “Enhancing and preserving treaty and Aboriginal Rights cannot be compromised in the process of building an economy.”

Starlight is happy to prove the skeptics wrong.

“We are building where people told us it was impossible,” he said. “We were told there are too many barriers to building on a reserve.”

Taza is successfully developing a series of “community villages” along the Tsuut’ina Trail section of the Southwest Ring Road with a blend of residential, retail, commercial and office spaces with parks and natural areas. Landing major retailers, including Costco, has helped make the development a commercial success.

Starlight’s keynote to the School of Public Policy was one aspect of Indigenous Engagement at UCalgary as the university progresses on its path of transformation and commitment to truth and reconciliation.

Starlight, who was recently featured in Calgary Herald’s series on Compelling Calgarians for his work with Taza, emphasized during his presentation to the School that progress is a process.

“We are bridging the economic and cultural gap on step at a time, but we are taking some pretty big steps.”