Nisga’a Nation and Tahltan Nation Acquire Port of Stewart Terminal

In a significant move towards economic empowerment and reconciliation, the Nisga’a Nation, Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDLP), and Arrow Transportation Systems have joined forces to acquire the Stewart Bulk Terminal. This partnership not only marks a milestone in Indigenous participation in resource management but also paves the way for enhanced logistics and economic growth in British Columbia.

As the global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, the strategic acquisition of the Port of Stewart Bulk Terminal positions these nations at the forefront of a burgeoning industry. This initiative is not just about ownership; it symbolizes a commitment to sustainable development and community prosperity.

Joint venture for sustainable growth

The newly formed joint venture, named Portland Canal Holdings Limited Partnership, will oversee the operations of the deep-sea Port of Stewart Bulk Terminal. This terminal plays a crucial role in transporting essential minerals, such as copper and gold concentrate, vital for various industries including technology and renewable energy.

Alongside managing the port, the partnership aims to launch a new transportation business. This initiative will integrate Arrow Transportation’s Stewart trucking division with the Tahltan-Arrow Transportation Limited Partnership, combining resources and expertise to foster a more efficient supply chain.

Tim Bell, Executive Vice-President of Arrow Group of Companies, expressed pride in collaborating with the Indigenous nations. He stated, “By consolidating the port terminal and our regional trucking operations, we are creating a vertically integrated supply chain that improves efficiency, enhances safety, and creates long-term, high-quality jobs for all employees.”

Equal ownership and collaborative benefits

The structure of the joint venture emphasizes equal ownership among the partners involved in the port and transportation sectors. Such an arrangement ensures that all stakeholders have a vested interest in the operations and outcomes of the terminal.

Key benefits of this equal ownership include:

• Shared decision-making, fostering collaboration and mutual respect.
• Stronger community ties, as profits can be reinvested in local initiatives.
• Enhanced economic independence for the Nisga’a and Tahltan Nations.

Significantly, Newmont, the mining giant, has also lent its support to this agreement. The company plans to utilize the port for transporting critical minerals, ensuring the commercial viability of the terminal. Furthermore, the Province of British Columbia has contributed $5 million through its Northwest Strategy, a program aimed at bolstering mining development while considering economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Kerry Carlick, President of the Tahltan Central Government, remarked, “Together, we are making history. The acquisition of this strategic asset will drive economic growth, create opportunities and strengthen our nations’ self-determination.”

Gateway to global markets and economic opportunities

The impact of acquiring the Port of Stewart Bulk Terminal extends beyond local economies; it serves as a gateway to global markets. This strategic asset is expected to revolutionize logistics and contribute significantly to economic growth for the Tahltan and Nisga’a Nations, as well as for Canada.

Todd den Engelsen, CEO of the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, emphasized the broader implications of this venture, stating, “This acquisition is more than just infrastructure — it is a gateway to improved logistics and economic growth.”

B.C. Premier David Eby also highlighted the deal's potential, noting that it will support the expansion of critical minerals and metals production, ultimately leading to the creation of well-paying jobs in the region.

Current operations and future potential of the terminal

The Stewart Bulk Terminal is strategically located on six acres at the northern tip of the Portland Canal, making it an ideal deep-sea shipping terminal for the Pacific Northwest. Currently, the terminal processes approximately 260,000 metric tons of copper and gold concentrate annually, operating at just 50% of its full capacity.

This underutilization presents a tremendous opportunity for growth, with the potential to increase throughput significantly as the demand for critical minerals surges globally. The partnership is poised to capitalize on this demand, enhancing operational capabilities and diversifying the range of services offered.

Some of the anticipated developments include:

• Upgrading existing infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels.
• Implementing advanced logistics systems to streamline operations.
• Expanding partnerships with mining companies for mineral transportation.

As the demand for critical minerals continues to grow, the Stewart Bulk Terminal is well-positioned to become a central hub in the North American resource economy. The collaborative efforts of Nisga’a Nation, Tahltan Nation, and Arrow Transportation are set to redefine regional development and create lasting economic benefits for Indigenous communities.

For those interested in understanding the dynamics of this partnership, a related video provides insights into the acquisition and the broader implications for the region. You can watch it below:

This acquisition is a pivotal step towards empowering Indigenous communities in managing their resources while contributing meaningfully to the broader economy. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, the future of the Stewart Bulk Terminal looks promising, heralding a new era of collaboration and economic prosperity for all stakeholders involved.

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