b'SEAFOOD EXPORTwith Native American companies south of the border. Tekpathe Mikmaq word for cold wateris McGraws Indigenous- For all of McGraw Seafoods success in branded domestic snow crab product, and the company recently signed a dealadapting to international and national with Loblaws to sell it across Canada and the U.S. Its a first. We nevermarket demands, both reactively and really did anything domestically within Canada, and we also have another targetproactively, the companys real success market [with Tekpa]: Native American-owned casinos in the United States,is its unique vertical integration of saysMcGrawmarketingmanager Robbie Graham.First Nation fishersOver100NativeAmerican-owned casinos in California have historically bought McGraw products, oblivious to the fact that it was also an Indigenous company. When they learned that we were an Indigenous company, they started doing back flips, Graham laughs. They felt like they hit the jackpot. In 2022, 20 per cent of McGraws produc-tion went to Tekpa, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive to date, according to Augustine. Despite its long-time role in exporting, McGraw showed itself capable of pivoting into the domestic market. Its been really overwhelming in the sense of howJFK Law represents Indigenous communities throughout Canada. much demand there would be, saysWe work with our clients to advance their Nations, protect their Augustine. In hindsight, I wish we wouldrights and build their economies.have done 50 per cent [of production dedicated to Tekpa].Driven by a passion for justice, we offer creative legal solutions and work towards meaningful change.INDIGENOUS ADVANTAGEFor all of McGraw Seafoods success in adapting to international and nationalLitigation & Dispute ResolutionConsultation, Accommodation market demands, both reactively andUsing the courts strategically to& Regulatory Review proactively, the companys real successMaking the Crown respect is its unique vertical integration of Firstadvance your Aboriginal &Nation fishers and its mutually beneficialTreaty Rights the duty to consult and relationship with Elsipogtog First Nation.accommodateThe Marhsall Decision allows for guar- Complex Negotiations Capacity and Governanceanteed harvesting rights for MikmaqSecuring and implementingHelping build strong, fishers and in a practical sense, a guar- your communitys rights throughsustainable communitiesanteed quota for them. When Elsipogtogcomplex negotiationsFirst Nation purchased McGraw Seafood, there was a direct integration of fishers to the processing plant without the needToronto Office Victoria Office Vancouver Officefor negotiations and uncertain produc- TF: 1 888 687 8388 P: 250 405.3460 TF: 1 888 687.8388tion amounts. Elsipogtog had both theSuite 5600, 100 King Street West 816 - 1175 Douglas Street 340 - 1122 Mainland StreetToronto, ON M5X 1C9Victoria, BC V8W 2E1 Vancouver, BC V6B 5L1means and the methods of harvesting and selling their product, which meant all proceeds would remain in the Nation.Working Together for Justice & Reconciliationwww.jfklaw.caIts really exciting to see that were really finally taking ownership of the fact that Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT33'