Partner Nations

Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation, the General Partner of Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood
Limited Partnership, has a skilled board of directors with wide-ranging knowledge and strong support
from our Participating Nations. Their experience and expertise include: First Nations relations,
communications, commercial fisheries, fisheries policy and management, business operations,
licensing, fish buying and processing, fishery development, studies, plans, fish management,
corporate and commercial law, governance, finance, mergers and acquisitions.

Trudy Warner
Indigenous relations, Financial and Project Management.

With 20+ years of working with First Nations organizations in a variety of capacities, Trudy blends
her experience and education in leadership and executive coaching (MA, 2011, CEC, 2012) to find
practical solutions to governance and organizational issues.  
Trudy has a passion to work within teams to design and implement successful strategic plans.

Larry Johnson
First Nations Relations, Communications, Commercial Fisheries.

President of NSDC, current Chair of Maa-nulth Fisheries Committee, former Huu-ay-aht Lands and
Resource Manager and Pacific Halibut Commissioner.
Larry has been integral to the successful integration of First Nations and Western Resource
Management Systems and brings a unique perspective to fisheries management issues.

John McLeod
Corporate and Commercial Law, Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions.

Over 26 years’ experience, practicing in Victoria, BC, Vancouver, BC and London, England.
John is also our legal counsel and was involved in the acquisition of St Jean’s Smokehouse and
Cannery.

Stuart Nelson
Independent Business Consultant offering expertise to the West Coast Seafood Industry.

Stuart has spent his career in the BC fishing industry, first in the processing and marketing sector,
and now as a consultant offering services to First Nations and private sector businesses.

Lillian White
Governance, Finance and Strategy

Lillian is a CPA and spent the majority of her working career as Chief Financial Officer for Neptune
Food Service now a division of Gordon Food Service.  
She owned and ran Treen Safety from 2010 – 2018. She is a graduate of the ICD (Institute of
Corporate Directors and has served on the Boards of BC Assessment Authority, Royal BC Museum,
Columbia Power Corporation, Worksafe BC, Embers Staffing Solutions and Quest Food Exchange.

Staff

 Kathy Happynook
Fisheries Manager

Kathy has been with NSLP since 2006. Playing an integral role in the creation and organization of
each affiliated company, Kathy has become instrumental to the organization. The backbone of the
team, she has a vast experience in funding applications, licencing and reporting requirements,
developing and organizing training programs for community members, project management and
managing financial accounts. Kathy was an essential team member during the purchase of St.
Jean’s Smokehouse and Cannery and provided expertise in logistics and human resources during
the transition of ownership. Kathy also manages the NSLP fishing licences and quotas. Kathy has
built positive relationships with our Participating Nations and community members.

Kathy retired as General Manager in 2022 but continues to manage NSLP’s fishing licenses and
quotas and continues to offer fisheries support.

Julia Oscarson
Administrator

A local resident of Port Alberni, Julia joined NSLP in 2021 as NSLP’s administrator. Along with
Julia’s skills in office administration, she has vast experience in business management, social media
management, and advertising.  Julia is building her capacity with fisheries and Gratitude Seafood
brand awareness.