Heiltsuk Nation Signs Letter of Intent to Purchase Shearwater Resort & Marina from Widsten Holdings Inc.

Press Release

Intended purchase of 70-year-old company on BC’s Central Coast is an example of reconciliation in action. Shearwater Marine and Heiltsuk Nation have a long-standing relationship that spans generations—changing hands of Shearwater to Heiltsuk is a milestone to be celebrated by both parties.

BELLA BELLA, BRITISH COLUMBIA (May 13, 2021) – The Heiltsuk Nation has signed a letter of intent to purchase Shearwater Marine Limited (“Shearwater Co.”), using funds secured through a reconciliation agreement signed between the Heiltsuk Nation and the Canadian federal government on July 15, 2019.

The Haíɫcístut Incremental House Post Agreement provided investment of $42.72 million to address the Heiltsuk House Post community priorities of Self-Government; Housing and Infrastructure; Economic Development; and Language Revitalization and Preservation. The intended purchase of Shearwater Co. represents the nation’s largest investment in the House Post of Economic Development, to date.

Shearwater Co. has been a regional service and supply centre and thriving tourism destination, operating accommodations, a large restaurant and bar, coastal wilderness tours and a famous sport fishing business.

“The Heiltsuk Nation is excited to build on the legacy of Shearwater and to welcome guests into our Territory in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, when it is safe to do so,” said Marilyn Slett, Chief Councillor of the Heiltsuk Nation. “We have always valued the relationship between the Widsten family and our Nation, which has been one of respect and reciprocity.”

“This agreement is an example of the Haíɫzaqv-made version of how to do reconciliation,” said Hemas Harvey Humchitt Sr., a Hereditary Chief of the Heiltsuk Nation. “It shows the hard work of our community and joint leadership is paying off, with the acquisition of lands and new businesses, and the creation of economic opportunities for our members.”

“This historic agreement is the culmination of a respectful relationship that my father established with the Heiltsuk Nation in 1947,” said Craig Widsten, founder and Chairman of Shearwater Marine Group. “I personally thank the Heiltsuk Nation for their friendship, mutual respect and cooperation throughout my 53 years at the helm of the Shearwater Marine Group, and I believe this is the right decision at the right time. I am very proud of the service business and legacy that our family has established on the Central Coast and trust that the Heiltsuk Nation will lead the way with confidence and respect for the needs of all stakeholders.”

The parties to the agreement have agreed to complete the final purchase for Shearwater Co. on June 30th, 2021, following due diligence and inventory review.

Contact Information:

Marilyn Slett
Chief Councillor
Heiltsuk Nation
250-957-7721

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