Honouring his work protecting natural aquaculture and preserving the shellfish harvesting grounds of the K'omoks First Nation, Comox Valley's Richard Hardy has been recognized as one of 15 Canadians to be awarded a National Aboriginal Achievement Award.
The awards, which will be presented Feb. 24 in Vancouver, celebrate excellence in the Indigenous community and the limitless potential that Indigenous people represent.
They recognize the highest level of achievement and provide role models for Indigenous youth to achieve their potential.
After graduating at the top of a shellfish aquaculture course in 2011, Hardy was chosen to work on behalf of his community in developing Pentlatch Seafoods Ltd.
In 2004, he was appointed by the board of directors to be the manager of the corporation and has held the position for the past seven years.
Hardy has taken the company from concept to where it is now — well-respected by all levels of governement and is currently the third-largest shellfish grower in the region.
“Each and every one of our award recipients is a leader and role model who has made a profound impact on communities across Canada and worldwide,” said Roberta Jamieson, president and CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. “By honouring their achievement we continue to inspire many others waiting to demonstrate their potential — which is why the work of the Foundation in providing much needed resources to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students is so essential.”
Other recipients include actor Adam Beach, Minister of Health Leona and Agglukkaq, Grand Chief Edward John.
— National Aboriginal Achievement Awards