Mowi’s Diane Morrison and Ian Roberts were honoured to be “blanketed” by the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation in the small coastal village of Klemtu during a ceremony and dinner held this week to celebrate the successful partnership between company and Nation.
A blanketing ceremony is a symbol of respect in First Nation culture for those who have made an important contribution to the community in some way. The respected guest is draped with special blankets in front of witnesses, and it is theirs to keep.
Morrison first arrived in Kitasoo Xai’xais Territory in 2000 as veterinarian with Mowi (then Marine Harvest). Today she is the managing director and the Nation wished to honour her dedication and commitment to the people of Klemtu in her leadership role.
Roberts was part of the company’s delegation that negotiated the agreement in the mid-1990s – which was a first of its kind in British Columbia. Roberts was the first production manager in the territory from 1998-2008, something the Nation wished to honour.
Also blanketed were Katie Maximick (Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship) and Susan Smith (Bluesky Strategy Group), for their support in helping the Nation engage with the Canadian government during what has been a very challenging political landscape.
Speaking of the experience, Morrison said the Klemtu and the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation community "hold a very special place in my heart. I started visiting the farms and community just as the first generation of fish raised in the territory was harvested. The operations and the relationship have grown, matured, and strengthened over the years. I was extremely proud and honoured to be blanketed by the Nation.”
Roberts, communications director for Mowi, added it was "an honour of a lifetime to be invited back into the community to be honoured in this way. Hearing ‘welcome home’ from friends made over 25 years ago absolutely warms my heart. This ceremony taking place just a week before I depart the company is no doubt the bookend to my Mowi career that was needed for me.”
Isaiah Robinson, Chief Executive Officer at Kitasoo Development Corporation noted that as they celebrate their 25th anniversary, "it's clear that the salmon farming sector remains a vital catalyst for our Nation's success and highlights the strong relationship between industry and our community. In dealing with the government over the last several years, the blanketing ceremony reflects the hard work of colleagues at all levels, ensuring our voices are heard and we are well represented. The ceremony conducted by our Hereditary Chiefs is a profound gesture of gratitude to those who tirelessly fight for our community across the country."
The celebration at the Big House included a community dinner (traditional bannock and salmon were served), traditional dancing around the open fire, and speeches from community members and leaders thanking Mowi staff – past and present – for the commitment to their community values.
From humble beginnings starting in the late 1980s, the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation and Mowi now grow 10,000 tonnes of salmon annually at six farm sites located in the Territory and produce Klemtu Spirit Smoked Salmon which can be found a leading retailers across Canada.
