What It Means to Be a Certified Indigenous Business
As a majority Indigenous-owned company, we are committed to creating opportunities, building strong partnerships, and fostering meaningful change in the marine industry.
At Prism Marine, being a Certified Indigenous Business isn’t just a title—it’s who we are and how we work. As a majority Indigenous-owned company with a Certified Indigenous Business (CIB) designation from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB)*, we’re proud to build partnerships, create opportunities, and make a positive impact in the communities we serve.
Respecting Indigenous Rights
We believe in acknowledging and respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples. That means making sure everyone in our company, as well as our business partners, understands the rich history, uniqueness, and diversity of Indigenous Peoples across British Columbia and beyond. We’re committed to minimizing our impact, creating economic value, and building relationships that are honest, respectful, and long-lasting.
Why This Matters in the Marine Industry
The marine industry plays a vital role in connecting communities, transporting goods, and supporting economic growth, and Prism Marine is uniquely positioned to bring Indigenous knowledge and values into this industry. By building relationships with Indigenous communities and ensuring representation within our workforce, we’re fostering a more inclusive and sustainable marine sector.
What Being Certified Means to Us
As a Certified Indigenous Business and registered partner of Squamish Nation, we are committed to creating opportunities that support Indigenous community growth. Our efforts include:
- Water Taxi Services: We operate water taxis with professional First Nations mariners, ensuring safe and reliable transportation.
- Training & Certification: In partnership with Squamish Nation, we offer a mariner training program that provides community members with in-demand marine certifications, including a free, annual Transport Canada-approved Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) course.
- Employment Opportunities: We offer positions within the Squamish Nations Priority Workforce, contributing to local economic development.
- Collaborative Partnerships: We provide subcontracting opportunities to Squamish Nation member businesses.
I am honoured to be in a place where Prism Marine can bring great benefit to these lands, people and waterways. Most important and truly personal to me, it is my pledge to share my marine knowledge and offer lifelong certifications and skills to Nation Members. We are honoured to work alongside the Squamish Nation Community, and hope to prove our company as a strategic marine partner for decades to come.
How CCIB Helps Indigenous Businesses
The Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) connects Indigenous communities with Canadian businesses. Their mission—to strengthen and grow a prosperous Indigenous economy through business relationships and opportunities—aligns perfectly with what we’re doing at Prism.
Building a Shared Future
At Prism Marine, we’re all about collaboration, respect, and shared success. Whether it’s creating jobs, running training programs, or building partnerships, we’re focused on making a real difference. As we grow, we’ll stay true to our commitment to reducing impacts, sharing economic benefits, and supporting long-term employment opportunities for Indigenous communities.
To learn more about our initiatives and how we can collaborate, feel free to contact us – we’d love to hear from you!
* Note: CCIB is formerly Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and Certified Aboriginal Business (CAB)
Want to learn more?
Our work as a Certified Indigenous Business is about more than meeting a standard—it’s about setting one.
By investing in people, fostering partnerships, and strengthening Indigenous participation in the marine industry, we’re helping shape a future where Indigenous businesses thrive and communities benefit for generations to come