Hereditary Chief, Archie Robinson Sr. leaves a lasting legacy
Archie Robinson Sr. was the Hereditary Chief of The Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nations community of Klemtu. He passed away this week at age 85.
Klemtu is located on Swindle Island in Finlayson Channel approximately 219 kilometres north of Port Hardy, British Columbia.
Chief Robinson was a supporter of salmon farming in British Columbia. In the late 1980’s Chief Robinson witnessed the closing of a fish packing company in Klemtu. This was the only source of employment for local band members. In an effort to keep the small community afloat Chief Robinson and other First Nations started a fish farm.
Partnership
A few years later The Kitasoo/Xai’Xais First Nations welcomed a partnership with Marine Harvest, now known as Mowi Canada West. Mowi Canada West expressed its condolences online. “Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies are with the family and the Kitasoo / Xai'xais people. Chief Robinson has been a friend and partner for over 20 years and we mourn his passing,” said a Mowi Canada West tweet.
Today there are six salmon farms operating in the Kitasoo/Xai’Xais territory.
The Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation has 517 band members, 319 of whom live in Klemtu.
