Canadian salmon sector stalwarts honoured by First Nation
Mowi veterans Diane Morrison and Ian Roberts among four who are given blankets by Kitasoo Xai'xais in 'profound gesture of gratitude' from remote community
Mowi veterans Diane Morrison and Ian Roberts were honoured to be “blanketed” by the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation in the small coastal village of Klemtu, British Columbia, during a ceremony and dinner held this week to celebrate the successful partnership between the salmon farmer and Nation.
A blanketing ceremony is a symbol of respect in First Nation culture for those who have made an important contribution to the community in some way. The respected guest is draped with a special blanket in front of witnesses, and it is theirs to keep.
Morrison first arrived in Kitasoo Xai’xais Territory in 2000 as veterinarian with salmon farmer Mowi Canada West (then Marine Harvest). Today she is managing director and the Nation wished to honour Diane’s dedication and commitment to the people of Klemtu in her leadership role.
Roberts was part of the company’s delegation that negotiated an agreement with the Nation in the mid-1990s. It was a first of its kind in British Columbia. Roberts was the first production manager in the Kitasoo Xai’xais Territory from 1998-2008, something the Nation wished to honour.
Challenging period
Also blanketed were Katie Maximick (Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship) and Susan Smith (Bluesky Strategy Group), for their support in helping the Nation engage with the Canadian Government during what has been a very challenging political landscape. The federal government wants to “transition” open net pen salmon farming in BC to closed containment or land-based production, threatening the jobs and income of the Klemtu community situated 500 miles north of Vancouver.
Speaking of being honoured by the Nation, Morrison said: “Klemtu and the Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation community hold a very special place in my heart. I started visiting the farms and community just as the first generation of fish raised in the territory was harvested. The operations and the relationship have grown, matured, and strengthened over the years. I was extremely proud and honoured to be blanketed by the Nation.”
'A honour of a lifetime'
Roberts, who has worked for Mowi for 31 years, will leave the company by mutual agreement at the end of this month following the company’s decision to dispense with his role as communications director for Scotland, Ireland, and Canada.
Hearing ‘welcome home’ from friends made over 25 years ago absolutely warms my heart. This ceremony taking place just a week before I depart the company is no doubt the bookend to my Mowi career that was needed for me.
Mowi veteran Ian Roberts
He said: “It was an honour of a lifetime to be invited back into the community to be honoured in this way. Hearing ‘welcome home’ from friends made over 25 years ago absolutely warms my heart. This ceremony taking place just a week before I depart the company is no doubt the bookend to my Mowi career that was needed for me.”
Isiaih Robinson, chief executive at Kitasoo Development Corporation, said: “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, it’s clear that [the salmon] industry remains a vital catalyst for our Nation’s success and highlights the strong relationship between industry and our community. In dealing with the government over the last several years, the blanketing ceremony reflects the hard work of colleagues at all levels, ensuring our voices are heard and we are well represented. The ceremony conducted by our Hereditary Chiefs is a profound gesture of gratitude to those who tirelessly fight for our community across the country.”
10,000 tonnes per year
The celebration at the Big House included a community dinner (traditional quick bread and salmon were served), traditional dancing around the open fire, and speeches from community members and leaders thanking Mowi staff – past and present – for the commitment to their community’s values.
From a small start in the late 1980s, the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation and Mowi now grow 10,000 tonnes of salmon annually at six farm sites located in the Territory and produce Klemtu Spirit Smoked Salmon which can be found at leading retailers across Canada.
