September 25, 2013 — The fish processing plant, owned by the Lax Kw'alaams First Nation, has reached an annual payroll of $1.5 million, driving success for the village with sustainable income for more than 300 band members.
"This is a landmark for the Lax Kw'alaams," Robert Hughes, village councillor, said.
"Nearly all of the employment-age band members living at Lax Kw'alaams are now working with the fishery in one form or another. The fishing economy is providing a sustainable way for the band to support itself."
The fish plant employs approximately 225 workers in the village of Lax Kw'alaams. The fishery also provides employment and skills training for approximately 150 fishing boat crew members in the community.
Hughes said the fish plant has been a win-win for the community.
"The jobs and incomes that the fish plant has generated are empowering community members to in their families, educations and communities. We're starting to see local businesses flourish thanks to the effects of those incomes," he said.
The Lax Kw'alaams First Nation spent millions to renovate the village's old fish plant in 2012, reopening in the spring. Norm Black, the fish plant's general manager, said about 120 to 125 people were employed at the plant when it first reopened.
Read the full story at the Northern View