KEDC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Manager, K'Awat'Si Fisheries
Meet Albert Blackford, a seasoned professional in the seafood processing industry with a career spanning over 30 years in British Columbia. Since March 2023, he has been dedicated to contributing to the nation's growth and success in the Shellfish Industry. "I do this job because I have a lot of passion for seafood, and it makes this job exciting.
When not marketing seafood, you can find me walking the beaches with my dog, or just enjoying time with my family." With valuable knowledge and experience in the marketing of clams and oysters and building shellfish farms - Albert is a key part in the growth of K'awat'si Shellfish.
Job Titles:
- Manager, K'Awat'Si Cold Storage
Albert was born and raised in Port Hardy, BC and is a proud member of the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations. He lives in the Tsulquate community with his wife and three children.
Albert has been part of the k'awat'si Economic Development LP management team since 2016 and is responsible for all Fisheries, Shellfish, and Cold Storage activities. On his down time, he loves fishing in the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Traditional Territories to provide for the Elders, and harvesting shellfish with his family.
Cyrus is a dynamic and dedicated executive leader, effective in building collaborative networks and relationships while ensuring business goals are achieved. As an interest-based facilitator and result-oriented project manager, achieving organizational goals while enriching stakeholder relations are a hallmark of past successes.
Job Titles:
- General Manager, Gwanak Resources
Dave Joined Gwa'Nak resources in March of 2022 taking on the role of Manager. Dave believes that forestry activities within the traditional territory of the Gwasala-‘Naxwaxda'xw will provide economic, social and cultural benefits to the nation in perpetuity. Dave is dedicated to advancing forest stewardship nested within the cultural values of the Gwasala-‘Naxwaxda'xw" first nation, ‘Nusəns Sax Gwigilas'".
Forestry-related businesses will continue to provide meaningful employment opportunities that not only pay well but give people the opportunity to reconnect with their traditional lands with boots on the ground. Dave began his career on the coast of BC in 2002 and has had the privilege of working in forests ranging from the southern tip of Vancouver Island to Haida Gwaii.
Job Titles:
- Manager, K'Awat'Si Marine
- Team Member
Eddie Walkus is a dedicated team member, effectively managing our K'awat'si Marine Services department and assisting with our K'awat'si tours.
Eddie's connection to Gwa'sala Nakwaxda'xw Territories runs deep. His family lineage can be traced back to Robert Walkus Sr. of Takush and Violet Walkus of Ba'as, further solidifying his deep-rooted affinity for the sea.
From a young age, Eddie immersed himself in the world of commercial fishing, working alongside his great-grandfather. This upbringing instilled in him a profound understanding of the water and a strong desire to pursue a career that pays homage to his cherished memories and the lifelong lessons he learned.
In his role, Eddie not only shares his extensive knowledge with guests and clients, but he also builds meaningful connections within the community.
Eddie's dedication to preserving and honouring his cultural teachings makes him an invaluable member of our team.
Eddie Walkus is an integral part of our organization. We are grateful for his passion, expertise, and commitment to providing exceptional service to K'awat'si Marine Services and the community at large.
Job Titles:
- Director, Consulting & Management Services
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources