"It’s our mission as a company to get Nuu-chah-nulth people back on the water and generating wealth for their communities."
Do you wonder if a job running your own ocean-related business is for you?
If most of these statements apply, then you could enjoy a job in business.
- I am organized and can work under pressure.
- I am driven, passionate, and want to succeed.
- I have good reading and math skills.
- I am flexible and can do a little bit of everything.
- I like to learn.
- I have a good attitude.
- I like to manage people and products.
- I am confident and know that I can achieve my goals.
Uu-a-thluk
taking care of
What’s It All About?
Today there are many business opportunities for Nuu-chah-nulth people who have special training or who know aspects of traditional knowledge. Nearly every career area on this site includes businesses, from catching and selling seafood to transforming that same seafood into a product. No matter what area you consider, running a business related to sea resources is challenging and rewarding.
Nuu-chah-nulth Nations need members to start their own seafood and fisheries related businesses. Self-sufficiency is one of our goals. Member-owned and operated businesses will help our Nations become independent.
What Do You Need?
Although no two business owners have the same education, most have the following things in common:
- Experience working in their chosen field or in a business requiring the same skills.
- Dedication to making their business a success.
- They don’t work typical 9 to 5 hours, perform a lot of different roles, and are creative problem solvers.
- They have an understanding of the basics of financial accounting, business management, human resource management, marketing, and self-promotion, or can bring on those who possess these skills.
- If they don’t have a skill they need, they are willing to seek out experience or training to get that skill.
What Can you Earn?
What you earn as a business operator will depend on what business you choose, how driven and passionate you are about your idea, and whether or not you are successful. New businesses can take a few years to turn a profit, so it’s important to do research and write a business plan.
Need Help Growing Your Business?
The Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) might be able to help you with your business idea. NEDC offers a youth entrepreneurship program that includes business loans, advice, a mentoring program, and workshops on topics like business planning, marketing and financing.
Businesses may be both on and off reserve. If you are between the ages 18 and 35 and you have a great business idea, contact NEDC at 250-724-3131 or toll free 1-866-444-6332. Or via email at nedc@nedc.info.
Sample Opportunities
- Business Consultant
- Consulting Biologist
- Fish Patroller
- Catch Monitor
- Shellfish Farm Operator
- Farm Development
- Consultant
- Commercial Rights-Based Fisherman or Fisherwoman (i.e., Ha’oom Fisheries Society)
- Commercial Scuba Diver
- Operator
Continued…
- Plant Operator
- Food Safe Trainer
- Marketing Specialist
- Seafood Outlet Operator
- Seafood Delivery Service
- Seafood Broker
- Marina Operator
- Handyman
- Fishing Lodge Operator
- Fishing Guide
- Whale Watching Service
- Seafood Restaurant
The story behind Gratitude Seafood
Inspiration for Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation’s Gratitude seafood brand came from the three Nuu-chah-nulth sacred principles: Hish-uk ts’a-walk (everything is one), Iisaak (a greater respect with caring) and Uu-a-thluk (to take care of using a modern approach). This encapsulates the core values of sustainability, health, community, and gratitude for the harvest. The Gratitude concept speaks to consumers who are increasingly concerned about how their seafood purchases are produced. The owners ensure that their products are responsibly harvested and processed and believe that aquaculture such as kelp products will play an increasingly important role.
(Source: Adapted from “New seafood branding reflects Nuu-chah-nulth principles.” Hashilthsa. (2019, Feb 16). Mike Youds.
