B.C. First Nation hopes to make splash in bottled water business

A small First Nation in B.C. is hoping to make a big splash in the bottled water business.

The Uchucklesaht Tribe has launched an artisan brand of bottled water drawn from a spring in its territory on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island.

Thunderbird Spirit Water, sold in sleek glass bottles, is the first commercial venture for the tribe of about 300 citizens.

Uchucklesaht is one of five nations that are signatories of the Maa-nulth Treaty. The move to self-government in 2011 gave the nation control over its economic development and has been critical to launching the new business venture, said elected Chief Charlie Cootes.

TRANSFORMATION

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