Hardy Buoys Transitions to Indigenous Ownership
Port Hardy, British Columbia – Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc., a well-known coastal seafood
processor and retailer, has officially transitioned to new ownership under the Hardy Buoys
Smoked Fish Limited Partnership, marking a significant step forward as an Indigenous-owned
enterprise.
The Limited Partnership is comprised of:
Kwakiutl Nation Development Corporation (KNDC) – the economic development arm of the
Kwakiutl Nation, supporting sustainable economic initiatives and long-term community
prosperity.
Upper Fraser Indigenous Sustainable Harvesters (UFISH) – a group of Indigenous fishing
enterprises dedicated to strengthening Indigenous participation and sustainability within the
seafood sector.
Authentic Indigenous Seafood (AIS) – serving as the General Partner, AIS is a national
Indigenous-owned seafood organization focused on market access, Indigenous economic
development, and building resilient Indigenous seafood value chains.
This ownership transition reflects a shared commitment to preserving Hardy Buoys’ legacy while
supporting operational stability, workforce continuity, and long-term growth.
“Hardy Buoys has long been recognized for its quality products and strong community
presence, and will continue to be a major community employer.” said Kwakiutl Development
Corporation’s Chief Verna Hunt. Gord Sterritt, CEO for both UFISH and AIS emphasized that
“This transition represents both continuity and growth for our network of fisheries as we move
forward under indigenous ownership at Hardy Buoys. Our shared vision is to use this as our
latest infrastructure investment to help growing participation in their fisheries value chains
across Canada. ”
20 Years — Way to go team!
Since 1994, Hardy Buoys has helped an entire spin off industry from what they created as a way to cater to the sports fishers needs. Over the years charter boat operators, lodges, and even local hotels and restaurants enjoy an increased business largely due to the fact that people continue to visit the North end of Vancouver Island, because their catch can be properly taken care of. Although custom processing of sports caught fish is now only approx… 8% of the annual revenue stream, Hardy Buoys opens a special division each year from mid June to mid Sept. to continue to cater to the needs of those fishing and visiting in the community.
Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish employs 65 people year round for its wholesale and commercial business, expanding to 75 in the summer months to look after the sport fishing clientele. Hardy Buoys also maintains a well stocked retail outlet with factory direct pricing.
Hardy Buoys products can be found in major grocery store chains across Canada.
Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc. is a member of a member of the Canada Brand Strategy, products can be traced using the This Fish Traceability Program. Many of the Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish products proudly display membership to The Vancouver Aquariums Ocean Wise Program.
The employees of Hardy Buoys are dedicated to producing the highest quality products, following the highest standards for food safety.
“Invaluable People Producing Value Added Products”
This video was produced by Ben Taft and Sabrina Capito, 360° Immersion for Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc.