Above photo: Newdock, established in 1884 by the Newfoundland colonial government and later owned by Newfoundland Railway, is one of the oldest shipyards in Atlantic Canada. Photos by Nick Travis
A 140-year staple of the St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador waterfront is changing hands.
Newdock (St. John’s Dockyard Ltd.) is being acquired by an Indigenous-led partnership between Membertou First Nation in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; Newfoundland-based Qalipu First Nation and Horizon Naval Engineering.
The investment, according to a press release from the partnership, will go towards ensuring generational prosperity for Qalipu and Membertou First Nations in the years to come. The acquisition is set to pay immediate returns to the communities for social and cultural programming, as well as providing jobs by providing training and employment opportunities for young people.
“The purchase of Newdock is an historic occasion and the significance of it now being Indigenous owned instils a pride that we will share with our next seven generations and beyond,” said Qalipu First Nation Chief Jenny Brake.
“Our ancestors and relatives have traditionally traveled the waters between Ktaqmkuk to Unama’kik. Now, the descendants of the first boat builders will contribute as economic drivers in the marine sector of eastern Canada, the area which the Mi’kmaq have always known as Mi’kma’ki.”
The purchase of Newdock is the first for Qalipu First Nation’s investment arm, Qalipu Holdings, while Membertou First Nation has acquired and developed several businesses.
“For generations, the Mi’kmaq have worked in the marine and fishery industries, and today, we’re proudly announcing ownership of Newdock in St. John’s,” said Membertou First Nation Chief Terry Paul.
“Investing in the hard work of an industry-leading and proven business like Newdock means we will work together to create new opportunities for those within the business, and our communities who will be the beneficiaries of our investment. We look forward to continuing the hard-working legacy of Newdock.”
The deal first came about as part of a conversation between Newdock’s current owner, Paul Antle, and Miawpukek First Nation Chief Mi’sel Joe, who encouraged Qalipu and Membertou First Nations and Horizon Naval Engineering to work together on the opportunity.
As part of the transaction, Miawpukek First Nation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the partners to ensure the community has an opportunity to invest in Newdock, as well as to secure an observer seat on the board of directors.
The transaction is set to be finalized sometime in October, which is also Mi’kmaq History Month.
