SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation Becomes a Shareholder

At a signing ceremony on Monday, June 23, Tsawout First Nation formalized its investment in Cascadia Seaweed and its growing role in the regenerative Blue Economy.

W̱SÁNEĆ Territory — Three years after asserting its jurisdiction under a self-governed Marine Use Law, Tsawout First Nation is deepening its commitment to the Blue Economy by investing in Cascadia Seaweed, North America’s largest cultivator of kelp for regenerative agricultural products.

Under the authority affirmed by the Douglas Treaty, the Constitution, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Tsawout holds unextinguished Aboriginal title over its lands and waters. In 2022, it issued a license to Cascadia Seaweed to operate a commercial seaweed farm within its territorial waters. The farm, installed and seeded in November 2022, spans over 20 km of cultivation line, and in May 2025, Cascadia completed its largest harvest at the site, pulling in more than 150 wet tonnes of cultivated seaweed.

“As an Independent Nation, it’s our responsibility to protect the environment while creating food and opportunities for our people,” says Chief Abraham Pelkey. “As Saltwater People, we’re naturally drawn to the sea. I tell people seaweed farming is like planting trees, only it’s in the ocean, and it grows much faster. We grow new seaweed every year, harvest it, and then it’s processed into natural agricultural products that support a greener food system. It’s an economic opportunity that reflects our environmental values, and now we have a financial stake in the company.”

“Partnering with First Nations on our marine operations was a priority from day one,” says Michael Williamson, CEO of Cascadia Seaweed. “We’ve long recognized the value of First Nations as shareholders. While we’re fortunate to have a respected Elder advising our Board, this deeper level of involvement helps ensure we stay true to our founding vision: building a profitable business that benefits both people and the planet.”

The ceremony took place in the Council Chambers at Tsawout First Nation, where Chief Abraham Pelkey and Cascadia’s CEO, Michael Williamson, met to sign the documents officially welcoming Tsawout First Nation as the first Indigenous entity to invest in Cascadia Seaweed.

CTV News / Bell Media
Brendan Strain

Additional video of interest:
SȾÁUTW̱ Indigenous Protected Conservation Area - Kelp Farm