A celebration was held at the Nanaimo St. Jean's Cannery and Smoke House on June 3 to commemorate the Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation’s purchase of majority shares of a family-owned island-based cannery.
St. Jean’s Cannery and Smokehouse has operated their stores and facilities in Port Alberni, Nanaimo, Campbell River and Richmond, B.C. since 1961. Gerard St. Jean said his family has a long-standing working relationship with Nuu-chah-nulth communities.
“We started with Nitinaht crab and we bought butter clams from first nations,” said St. Jean.
There were others interested in purchasing the thriving business, but it was the Nuu-chah-nulth that understood St. Jean's vision.
“They have the communities and the commitment required to be successful in this industry,” said CEO Steve Hughes.
Ditidaht, Huu-ay-aht, Kyuquot/Checklesaht, Uchucklesaht and Ucluelet Nations negotiated the deal with St. Jean's in November 2015, said Kathy Happynook, the seafood corporation’s administrator.
“We researched business opportunities that we could enter into and this was one,” she said.
Larry Johnson, Nuu-chah-nulth Cannery Board Chairman, said purchasing St. Jean's will provide jobs and generate revenue.
“St. Jean's aligns with our vision; they have a great reputation, there is growth potential and Gerard (St. Jean) and family have shown leadership in seafood sustainability that is in line with our values,” said Johnson.
Gerard St. Jean said his father started the business and he's been involved for 54 years.
“I was looking for an exit strategy,” he told Ha-Shilth-Sa, adding he would stay on for another five years to help transition the new owners. He thanked everyone for sharing in the celebration. “Together we can go forward to build this company even bigger and better,” said St. Jean.
“We're really excited about where we're going with this new economic development opportunity for our people,” said Huu-ay-aht Tyee Ha'wilth Derek Peters.
“We're bringing fisheries back and this is another exciting opportunity in the fishing industry,” said Trevor Cootes.
Gifts were exchanged and guests were invited to a barbecue lunch while singers from each of the nations drummed.
