Kawatsi-shellfish Logo 1

Cultivated through Generations, Anchored in Tradition

Nestled along the remote central Pacific coast, in the heart of the pristine waters and ancestral territory of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nations, emerges a tale of time-honoured heritage and sustainable seafood innovation

About K'awat'si Shellfish

Our growing site is known to the local Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw people for its abundance of seafood resources. It has remained pristine and unchanged for thousands of years. Continuing our Indigenous seafood tradition, our shellfish are cultured in deep-water trays and are hand-harvested by a new generation of Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw.

We are committed to producing the highest quality shellfish and the premium choice for sustainable seafood.

Members of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw are proud to raise such high-quality BC shellfish and are proud to supply them to discerning restaurants around the province. For a deeper connection with the heart of our operation, we invite you to explore our Facebook and Instagram profiles. 

a person in a raincoat working on a fishing boat harvesting shellfish.
Shellfish worker processing oysters.
a group of oysters next to a traditional cedar weave hat

Our cultural connection

Where Heritage Meets Harvest: Celebrating Generations of Ocean Stewards

Our aquaculture site, held in high esteem by the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw community, serves as a living testament to the enduring relationship between the land and its caretakers. This site remains a haven of abundant resources, where seafood has flourished for time immemorial. Informed by historical wisdom and inspired by future aspirations, a new generation of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw community continues to cultivate and harvest these aquatic treasures. Utilizing deep-water trays along the Central Pacific Coast, our shellfish are reared with the utmost respect for ancestral methods and environmental sustainability.

GwiGwi

Traditional Baќwam Word for Oystercatcher Bird.

In our logo and throughout our branding you will find our official mascot. The Black Oystercatcher, whose name inspired our brand, is a common sight along the British Columbia coast. Found along key areas like the Salish Sea, Haida Gwaii, North Vancouver Island, and Pacific Rim National Park, this bird’s presence speaks to the authenticity of our oysters’ origins. GwiGwi Oysters, like their avian namesake, are a timeless resident of these coastal ecosystems. 

Our commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly products

Unlock the secret to premium, eco-friendly oysters that you can indulge in, guilt-free. Proudly co-managed by the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations (GNN) and the Province of British Columbia, the Ugwiwa/Cape Caution Conservancy is an unparalleled model of sustainable aquaculture and cultural preservation.

Our conservancy resides in the ancestral land of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nations, rich with their heritage. The region boasts revered traditional usage spaces and holds profound cultural landmarks. Moreover, the historical presence of settlements in Takush Harbour and Allison Harbour underscores the enduring link between the First Nations and the invaluable resources of these lands. These cherished areas remain of utmost importance to the First Nations community in the present day.

 

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