Partner Nations

Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation, the General Partner of Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Limited Partnership, has a skilled board of directors with wide-ranging knowledge and strong support from our Participating Nations. Their experience and expertise include: First Nations relations, communications, commercial fisheries, fisheries policy and management, business operations, licensing, fish buying and processing, fishery development, studies, plans, fish management, corporate and commercial law, governance, finance, mergers and acquisitions.

Larry Johnson
Indigenous Relations, Communications & Commercial Fisheries

President of Nuu‑chah‑nulth Seafood Development Corporation (NSDC), current Chair of the Maa‑nulth Fisheries Committee, former Lands & Resource Manager for the Huu‑ay‑aht First Nations and former Commissioner of the Pacific Halibut Commission. Larry has been integral to the successful integration of First Nations and Western resource‑management systems and brings a unique perspective to fisheries‑management issues.

Trudy Warner
Indigenous Relations, Strategy & Communications

With 20+ years of working with First Nations organizations (primarily with modern‑treaty First Nations in BC) in a variety of capacities, Trudy blends her experience and education in leadership and executive coaching (MA, 2011; CEC, 2012) to find practical solutions to governance and organizational issues. Trudy has a passion for providing insight and strategies to move individuals and businesses forward.

John McLeod
Corporate & Commercial Law, Finance, Mergers & Acquisitionsand Acquisitions.

With over 30 years of experience practicing law in Victoria, BC; Vancouver, BC; and London, England, John serves as our legal counsel and was actively involved in the acquisition of St. Jean’s Smokehouse & Cannery.

Stuart Nelson
Independent Business Consultant offering expertise to the West Coast Seafood Industry.

Stuart has spent his career in the BC fishing industry, first in the processing and marketing sector, and now as a consultant offering services to First Nations and private sector businesses.

Lillian White
Governance, Finance and Strategy

Lillian is a CPA and spent the majority of her working career as Chief Financial Officer for Neptune Food Service now a division of Gordon Food Service. She owned and ran Treen Safety from 2010 – 2018. She is a graduate of the ICD (Institute of Corporate Directors and has served on the Boards of BC Assessment Authority, Royal BC Museum, Columbia Power Corporation, Worksafe BC, Embers Staffing Solutions and Quest Food Exchange.

Staff

Kathy Happynook
Fisheries Manager

Kathy has been with NSLP since 2006. Playing an integral role in the creation and organization of each affiliated company, Kathy has become instrumental to the organization. The backbone of the team, she has a vast experience in funding applications, licencing and reporting requirements, developing and organizing training programs for community members, project management and managing financial accounts. Kathy was an essential team member during the purchase of St. Jean’s Smokehouse and Cannery and provided expertise in logistics and human resources during the transition of ownership. Kathy also manages the NSLP fishing licences and quotas. Kathy has built positive relationships with our Participating Nations and community members.

Kathy retired as General Manager in 2022 but continues to manage NSLP’s fishing licenses and quotas and continues to offer fisheries support.

Julia Oscarson
Administrator

A local resident of Port Alberni, Julia joined NSLP in 2021 as NSLP’s administrator. Along with Julia’s skills in office administration, she has vast experience in business management, social media management, and advertising.  Julia is building her capacity with fisheries and Gratitude Seafood brand awareness.