Friday, September 11, 2026
The Nisg̱a’a and Tahltan Nations, together with Arrow Transportation Systems Inc. celebrated the official opening of the Portland Canal Marine Terminal – British Columbia’s first majority Indigenous-owned port.
The terminal is owned through Portland Canal Holdings Limited Partnership, a partnership between the Nisg̱a’a Nation, Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) – the business arm of the Tahltan Nation – and Arrow Transportation Systems Inc. The partnership’s acquisition of the terminal was supported by a $5 million grant from the Province of British Columbia through its Northwest Strategy.
“Our partnership with the Tahltan Nation and Arrow Transportation Systems demonstrates what can be achieved when Indigenous Nations and industry work together to build meaningful economic opportunities. This terminal provides an important gateway to global markets and strengthens the infrastructure needed to support the growing critical minerals sector in Northwest British Columbia,” said Eva Clayton, president, Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government.
Located in Stewart, British Columbia, adjacent to the Golden Triangle, one of the world’s premier mineral districts, the fully permitted deep-sea shipping terminal facilitates the transportation of critical minerals, such as copper concentrate, to global markets – including from Newmont’s Brucejack and Red Chris mines in the territories of the Nisg̱a’a Nation and Tahltan Nation.
“The Portland Canal Marine Terminal is an expansion and continuation of the long and successful history we have had in the region working with our partners the Tahltan Nation and the Nisga’a Nation. By combining the vision and leadership of our Indigenous partners with Arrow’s long operating history and extensive transportation expertise, we have created an integrated network that will serve customers safely, efficiently and reliably for many years to come,” said Mitchell Zulinick, co-CEO and COO, Arrow Group of Companies.
Portland Canal Group partners Tahltan Nation Development Corportation, Nisg̱a’a Nation and Arrow Transportation Systems Inc. celebrate the official opening of Portland Canal Marine Terminal in Stewart, B.C. (Portland Canal Group)
“The Portland Canal Marine Terminal is an expansion and continuation of the long and successful history we have had in the region working with our partners the Tahltan Nation and the Nisga’a Nation. By combining the vision and leadership of our Indigenous partners with Arrow’s long operating history and extensive transportation expertise, we have created an integrated network that will serve customers safely, efficiently and reliably for many years to come,” said Mitchell Zulinick, co-CEO and COO, Arrow Group of Companies.
The official opening follows a recent PacifiCan funding announcement by the Government of Canada for Northern B.C. businesses. Portland Canal Terminals LP is receiving $672,134 to support modernization and expansion of the Portland Canal Marine Terminal.
The official opening comes one year after the partners announced the acquisition of the Stewart Bulk Terminal.
Featured image: Aerial view of a bulk carrier at berth at the Portland Canal Marine Terminal in Stewart, B.C., with Portland Canal and the surrounding Coast Mountains in the background. (Arrow Transportation Systems Inc.)
