Gwabalis Fisheries Group
The Gwabalis Fisheries Group is a partnership of the Mamalilikulla, Da’naxda’xw, Quatsino and Tlatlasikwala First Nations who came together to form a successful and growing, 100% First Nation owned and operated Commercial Fishing Business. Based in Northern Vancouver Island, our current business focus is to lease commercial fishing licences and quota while supporting First Nation fishermen; creating employment and training opportunities for our community members; and developing programs that support and build healthy and vibrant communities.
The Gwabalis Fisheries Limited Partnership, formed in 2019, oversees Gwabalis business operations. The Gwabalis Fisheries Society, formed in 2015, is focused on developing programs which promote our First Nations’ fishing culture, customs and way of life.
Our Member Nation territories include the land and rich marine areas around Northern Vancouver Island and the adjacent mainland, inlets and islands. The majority of our members live in North Island communities, including Campbell River, Alert Bay, Port Hardy and Quatsino.
Our name, “Gwabalis”, is a Kwakwala word which refers to “the North” or “Northern”, or to “the end of the land”, and it was chosen to represent our Nations’ territories. Our logo depicts the figure of the Komokwa, King of the undersea, who represents the riches of the sea and our traditional marine territories.
The Gwabalis Fisheries Limited Partnership, formed in 2019, oversees Gwabalis business operations. The Gwabalis Fisheries Society, formed in 2015, is focused on developing programs which promote our First Nations’ fishing culture, customs and way of life.
Our Member Nation territories include the land and rich marine areas around Northern Vancouver Island and the adjacent mainland, inlets and islands. The majority of our members live in North Island communities, including Campbell River, Alert Bay, Port Hardy and Quatsino.
Our name, “Gwabalis”, is a Kwakwala word which refers to “the North” or “Northern”, or to “the end of the land”, and it was chosen to represent our Nations’ territories. Our logo depicts the figure of the Komokwa, King of the undersea, who represents the riches of the sea and our traditional marine territories.
Mission
Our Mission is to grow a self-sustaining, profitable North Island based commercial fishing business which promotes the strong culture, identity, values and protocols of our member Nations.
We generate revenue from our licences and quota while supporting our community and First Nation fishers. We strategically expand our licence and quota portfolio, and explore diversified North Island business opportunities in the commercial fishing and marine sector that will promote and build healthy and vibrant local communities, and create employment and training opportunities for our members.
We generate revenue from our licences and quota while supporting our community and First Nation fishers. We strategically expand our licence and quota portfolio, and explore diversified North Island business opportunities in the commercial fishing and marine sector that will promote and build healthy and vibrant local communities, and create employment and training opportunities for our members.