First Nation joins MHC
Marine Harvest Canada (MHC) and K’omoks First Nation (KFN) recently signed a cooperation agreement to further strengthen the relationship between the two parties and create direct links for business opportunities and community development.
Since 2008, KFN and MHC have looked to formalize their collaborative relationship, culminating in the signing of this agreement in December 2015.
The deal provides for investment in areas of mutual interest including training, employment, and business development. It also provides a foundation for regular engagement and knowledge sharing between the First Nation and the company, and an updated sales agreement for Salish Sea Foods, a recently acquired KFN business located in the Comox Valley.
MHC Managing Director Vincent Erenst, Public Affairs Director Ian Roberts and Sales Associate Nadine Gibbs were pleased to talk about a shared future with Chief Councillor Robert Everson, Pentlatch Seafoods Manager Richard Hardy, Economic Development Manager Melinda Knox and Councillor Barbara Mitchell at a signing celebration held in the KFN band office just before Christmas.
Already an active player in aquaculture, KFN owns a value added processing plant (Salish Seafoods) as well as a shellfish aquaculture company (Pentlach Seafood Ltd). Salish Sea Foods processes and provides seafood from BC – from Pacific salmon and BC oysters, to aquacultured finfish, clams, and halibut.
In addition to having a direct line to shellfish growing with Pentlatch Seafoods, the KFN prides themselves in sourcing only the best quality products from other growers and fishermen in BC, helping to generate economic opportunity in many rural and coastal areas throughout the province. This move to join in a cooperative agreement with Marine Harvest makes sense for the aquaculture-savy First Nation.
