Snaw-naw-as Aquaculture Ventures Incorporated (SAVI)
The harvesting of wild stocks and the development of commercial aquaculture sites has been viewed as a major economic opportunity for British Columbian coastal First Nations. In particular, First Nations within the mid-Vancouver Island area are ideally located to take advantages of well-developed logistics/infrastructure, the existence of water quality monitoring programs and the growing waters which meet the approved or depuration standard, and easy access to processing and markets.
Throughout history, our people used the rich marine resources for sustenance, culture, and trade. These resources have been an integral part of the culture and history of the Snaw-naw-as. Through business development, we strive to continue this legacy to protect our culture and the future of our territory while creating opportunity for our people through investments in employment and revenue generation.
Ideally located to take advantage of well-developed infrastructure, superior water quality and within easy access to processing and market, SAVLP is restructuring to recognize a growing market by increasing the size and diversity of our aquaculture program. It is our goal to develop our tenures to include multiple species such as oyster, seaweed, geoducks and enhance our processing abilities. In addition, we will be expanding our lease holdings and infrastructure to support these initiatives. In doing so we aim to create employment opportunities for our membership by provide training opportunities and practical experience to boost the overall employment capacity of our Nation and Employees.
With the principles of sustainability and stewardship we operate in the heart of our territory to protect our way of life for many generations while creating economic benefits for our people and BC. Our vision for SAVLP is to be a major supplier in the Aquaculture supply chain as a top tier provider in BC of both quantity and quality. With respect and care we harness the capacity and bountiful resources in our territory and take the significant first step towards becoming a major player in the Pacific Northwest aquaculture industry.
