The Ha’wiih of Ahousaht have a business development to-do list, and now they have the man with a proven track record to bring that list to fruition.
Trevor Jones has been hired as CEO of Maaqtusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society, a group of companies owned by Ahousaht.
The owner of Clear Skies Management Ltd., Jones brings with him more than 20 years of experience in business planning, development and management.
He is well-known in the Nuu-chah-nulth communities for his work with Hupacasath and Yuucluthaht First Nations.
Jones began working with Hupacasath in 2001 and was instrumental in developing ventures like the China Creek Micro Hydro Project, the construction of the House of Gathering and the development of the Port Alberni waterfront installations, including the welcome figures and the Whaling Monument.
He left Hupacasath in 2008 and moved on to Yuucluthaht First Nation, working as CEO for their Ucluth Economic Development Corporation.
He began by rebranding the Thornton Motel, which YFN had purchased prior to Jones’ arrival.
Together with the Yuucluthaht, the Wya Point Welcome Centre was developed at the Tofino/Ucluelet junction. Other businesses that followed were the Wya Surf Shop, Café and campground, the Kwisitis Feast House and the award winning Wya Point Resort.
Jones is pleased with the employment created in the Yuucluthaht communities through their successful business ventures.
“I think there was only one employee when I started and today there are 120 employees and 80 per cent of those are YFN citizens,” Jones said.
Jones will begin his work in Ahousaht by bringing to life some of Ahousaht’s own-source revenue strategy. That includes the development of the Matsquiaht (formerly Kakawis) property and a local fuel station for the community of Ahousaht.
The plans for Matsquiaht include the development of a campground with more amenities along with some hiking trail development.
The plan is to make Matsquiaht a tourist destination during the warmer seasons and then use it as a healing center in the off season.
There are plans to open a gift/convenience store and 30 campsites that would employ three to five people during the 2015 tourist season.
There will be a booking/welcome centre located in nearby Tofino that will double as Jones’ office.
Jones is also working on establishing a small fuel station in Ahousaht that he hopes will be up and running in six months.
The fuel station, located on reserve, will serve tax-free fuel (for status Indians) for both marine vessels and vehicles.
Jones says he is excited to be working with Ahousaht and hopes to see the people come together to work collectively on Ahousaht’s economic development vision.
“It is important that everyone is aware and they support the plan,” said Jones.
In additional economic development news, MHSS is reviewing a newly negotiated Protocol Agreement with Cermaq, an aquaculture company that operates in Ahousaht territories.
Cermaq remains committed to providing employment and training to Ahousaht members.
Over the winter, 10 students are taking part in Aquaculture Technician training in Port Alberni. The training is provided by MHSS, Ahousaht Education, Excel Career College and Cermaq.
The MHSS is planning their Annual General Meeting to be held in Ahousaht hopefully set for early March 2015.
