Minigoo opens doors

LENNOX ISLAND - There was drumming and smudging and much enthusiasm yesterday during the official opening ceremonies for Minigoo Fisheries, Atlantic Canada's first lobster processing plant wholly owned by a First Nation.
"Today is the day we have long been working towards. Today we show the world the power and strength of the Lennox Island First Nation and its people," Chief Darlene Bernard told a large crowd inside the new plant.
Minigoo Fisheries will start processing lobster next week under the brand name Hy Water Foods.
Chief Executive Officer Jon Arason projected production levels at 20,000 to 25,000 pounds a day, but said there's capacity for up to 35,000 pounds a day. Between 55 and 80 people will be employed at the plant. Production will run into November or December.
"Today we solidify our position as an important partner in the Atlantic fishery," Bernard said.
She called the plant an investment in the future of her community. Profits, she promised, will be re-invested in improving band programs and services.
"My decision to move forward with this concept was based wholly on my need to ensure that this community becomes independent," Bernard said.
"This is what we're telling customers: 'We dare you to compare. Go for it. Just try it,''" Arason said, expressing confidence Minigoo's focus on quality and sustainability will capture the attention and the interest of buyers.
First Nations products, he said, have a strong market appeal.
Wednesday's official opening ceremonies followed three hours of public tours of the 20,000-square-foot plant.
"It's starting to be a big, small plant," Arason said. Half of the space is new construction.
"I have been in all the lobster plants, more or less, in Canada, and this is the best plant in Canada," Arason boasted.
Among the special guests in attendance for the ceremony was national Chief Shawn Atleo. He applauded the opportunity the plant provides for overcoming differences.
"The answer here is about real partnerships and it's about pursuing economic self-sufficiency and economic independence, and that is the sort of the message this sends to the rest of the country and it is the sort of approach that First Nations are more and more taking, and we, as a national organization are very supportive of that."
The national chief said there is still much poverty in communities across Canada, but said First Nations also have examples such as what's happening on Lennox Island.
"I would suggest the implications (here) are about a peoples that are resurging and rebuilding themselves as nations."
Bernard said response to the new plant has been largely positive all over P.E.I. and Atlantic Canada. She predicted expansion and diversification into other products in future years.
Bernard, who leaves this week for a seafood show in Brussels, said focus markets are Europe, Asia and the United States.