ABOUT

Jim Dopson from the Tsimshian Nation and a member of the Kitselas Band. Jim was born and raised in Prince Rupert where he went to Senior Secondary School and then University of Victoria. During the summers he worked in a fish cold storage (freezer) facility in Prince Rupert and then at McLean’s Shipyard. Following his graduation from UVIC, Jim started working with the Indian Fisherman’s Assistance Program, whose mandate covered BC’s entire west coast. Jim eventually became Fleet Manager and then General Manager, of Northern Native Fishing Corporation. Jim worked as a Business Development Officer for Tribal Resources Investment Corporation where he helped first nations develop business plans and find them low-interest loans with non-repayable grants. Most of his initial clients were his old NNFC fishermen looking to modernize their boats and diversify their catch opportunities.

He brings a wealth of experience in advising and assisting First Nation Bands, their economic development corporations, as well as individuals, with setting up business enterprises, with the majority being commercial fishing enterprises.

Jim has spent decades working with First Nations whose traditional territories are part of the Skeena and Nass River systems. He has witnessed firsthand, the decimation of BC’s commercial fishing industry and the tragic effects on the dwindling opportunities for First Nations to maintain a living and provide for their families in the fishing industry.

With his experience, Jim’s desire is to help the BDT provide opportunities for First Nations to not only survive in this industry, but to meaningfully increase their ability to expand their presence in the fishing industry and help with diversification of their commercial ventures.

Jim currently lives in Prince George with Anne, his wife of 39 years and their 4 dogs. Jim and Anne are the proud parents of 3 grown children, Amy, Sara and Jonathan.