SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation-led Sea Farm to Unlock Capital Investment
SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation and Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre will collaborate to develop a regenerative sea farm business on Pender Island to attract significant private and public capital investment.
Overview
Led by the SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation, the S,DÁ,YES (Pender Island) Sea Harvest Farm initiative will create the framework required to attract capital investment to build an aquaculture farm. Partnering with the Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre, the project will establish a new business, support responsible economic growth in a sensitive ecosystem, and benefit both Nation members and Pender Island residents.
Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing with SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation through the Investment Readiness Program, which includes a Project Development stream. This stream empowers rural and First Nations communities to develop and de-risk large-scale projects by producing investment-ready capital expenditure and business plans.
Strengthening Community Wellbeing
This project will develop opportunities within the emerging aquaculture industry, aligning with the Nation’s priorities on food security and local job creation.
Media Contacts
Brodie Guy
CEO
Island Coastal Economic Trust
brodie@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
Chrissy Chen
Fisheries Manager
SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation
fisheriesmanager@tsawout.ca
250-652-9101 ext. 324
Project Details
Project Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
Economic Prosperity
The development of this regenerative aquaculture initiative will form a new business and provide the framework required to attract future private and public investment into the Southern Gulf Islands. The Nation anticipates the farm will become a $1.5 million capital project.
The project will also foster several partnerships, including a business agreement between the Nation and the Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre.
Climate Resiliency
Regenerative aquaculture focuses on sustainable practices that reduce carbon emissions and improve marine ecosystems. It reduces carbon emissions through natural carbon capture and by reducing transportation required to import food.
Harvesting food within their traditional territories also supports a reciprocal stewardship practice that aligns with SȾÁUTW̱ priorities.
Cultural Vitality
The project revitalizes SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation traditional aquaculture practices, preserving cultural heritage while adapting these practices to modern regenerative aquaculture techniques.