HaiCo Corporate Update - Summer 2021
Message from the Board Chair
Kilslaay Kaajii Sding Miles Richardson
Despite the challenges of the year, we are pleased to share that HaiCo and all of its corporate enterprises are well on their way to fiscal-positive operations. Since the company has been under new management, we have reached some considerable milestones, including:
Kilslaay Kaajii Sding Miles Richardson · HaiCo Board Chair
HaiCo anticipates the ability to contribute to the Nation’s Treasury in the near future.
Borrowed funding substantially reduced; paid off two bank loans throughout the pandemic.
Taan Forest’s financial state significantly improved due to limited expenditures and refined operational efficiencies - this doubled in 2021 over 2020, comparable to 2017 performance.
The ability to reach these critical benchmarks in a short timeframe is remarkable, especially while facing Covid-19-related challenges and concurrently shuttering one of our larger businesses (Westcoast Resorts sportfishing). The dramatic results are truly a testament to the resilience of our entire staff, the HaiCo Board of Directors, and the Council of the Haida Nation.
As we shift from pandemic response to recovery, there are unmistakable indications that our economy will rebound well ahead of predicted timelines. At present, Canada tops the rest of the world when it comes to vaccinated populations. As we look toward the summer 2021 season and beyond, our optimism continues to grow along with the number of fully vaccinated citizens.
As always, we genuinely appreciate your ongoing support moving forward. We remain resolute in keeping Haida Gwaii safe while fulfilling our commitments to you, the Xaayda Haida stakeholder.
Haawa/haw’aa,
Kilslaay Kaajii Sding Miles Richardson · HaiCo Board Chair
HaiCo will be providing further updates and sharing more information at the upcoming Summer Session.
TAAN FOREST UPDATE
The high market demand for quality timber has been exceptionally beneficial for Taan Forest this year, but our reforestation efforts are indeed a source of pride. In 2021 we have already planted over 210,000 seedlings. The extra effort required to ensure successful ts’uu/ts’úu cedar plantings are what makes these numbers truly extraordinary…
Haida Tourism Update
Thoughtful off-season planning and thorough preparation have been instrumental in Haida Tourism’s ability to respond rapidly to complex and ever-changing travel restrictions. When Gaagwiis Jason Alsop announced Haida Gwaii’s July 1st reopening to domestic tourism, our hardworking team immediately set upon final preparations.
Energy Update
The Council of the Haida Nation, Old Massett Village Council and Skidegate Band Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in February 2021 to build and operate renewable energy projects on Xaayda Gwaay.yaay Haida Gwaii. This partnership will be signing the new agreement under the Tll Yahda Energy Corporation soon.
Haida Wild Update
Haida Wild is actively collaborating with the Council of the Haida Nation on the Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement (FRRA). Supporting Old Massett Village Council and Skidegate Band Council, Haida Wild will support the development of a unique Community-Based Fishing Program and 5-year Strategic Plan for each community.