Fisherman nets national honor

Page 21

Few stories are truly rags-to-riches, but that is the case for James

Watson Walkus, winner of the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for

business and commerce.

Walkus, from Port Hardy, B.C., set out as a fisherman 40 years ago in a

leaky skiff named Tenacity. Today, his tenacity has built a fishing

empire out of the humble beginnings, an empire worth more than $5

million and including a fleet of 9 vessels and a cold storage plant.

In addition, his businesses employ more than 100 people, he owns

property in B.C., Hawaii and Washington state and he owns the largest

private commercial fishing fleet on the West Coast. He has built this

with tenacity, certainly, but with tenacity combined with a powerful,

earnest and simple faith.

A member of the Kwakuitl Nation on Vancouver Island, Walkus's life

provides an illuminative example of active spirituality. His faith was

highlighted by an article of which he is very proud entitled "God is My

Co-Captain."

The precepts of that faith have enabled him to create economic

development for three reserve communities and to build two churches. He

has built a successful enterprise and a successful community. He has

proven that hope can become reality through a combination of dedication,

commitment and faith.

"I'm tickled pink (to win this award)," he said after the gala. "I'm

thrilled to win this award. Like they say, if I can be a role model for

our youth, I'll be very happy. I had a session with the youth this

morning, and my comment was this: I pleaded with them that if any of

them are using, misusing alcohol or using drugs, I hope they decide for

themselves to stop. If they do, they can do anything, and they need to

continue their education."

Other nominees in the business and commerce category were Mike Birch of

Garden Hill, Man.; Victor Buffalo of Hobbema, Alta.; Andrew Clarke of

Winnipeg; Tagak Curley of Rankin, Inlet., N.W.T.; Albert Diamond of

Waskaganish, Que.; Art Francis of Craven, Sask.; Abel Kitchen of

Waswanipi, Que.; George J. Merasty of Winnipeg; Todd Papineau of

Cornwall, Ont; Ronald T. Scrimshaw of Edmonton and David Tuccaro of Fort

McMurray, Alta.

Walkus brought to his business a competitive desire that still

continues to drive him. At the awards, he was asked what was the most

important thing for him.

"The most important part of it", he said, "I like about it most is the

competition." That element of desire has propelled Walkus to business

success and the National Aboriginal Achievement Award, which he won for

"his sterling example in navigating his way from ragged rowboat to fine

flotilla and enhancing the economic development strategies of his

people."