CCGS Cadboro Bay Vessel Sponsors

By tradition, the Canadian Coast Guard invites a civilian to sponsor a vessel for its well-being and continued service, and to wish the vessel “good luck.” For the first time in its history, the Canadian Coast Guard was proud to have three sponsors for the CCGS Cadboro Bay at its dedication ceremony on June 25, 2024. The CCGS Cadboro Bay will service the Douglas and Grenville channels, Estevan Sound, Caamaño Sound, Hartley Bay and the mid-Hecate Strait areas.

These vessel sponsors represent each of the three clans of the Gitga’at First Nation:

Albert Clifton, hereditary chief Wahmoodmx of the Gisbutwada (Killer Whale) clan of the Gitga’at Nation, was born and raised in Hartley Bay, British Columbia. The chief’s name, Wahmoodmx, was bestowed upon Albert in 2005. Albert is a noted fisherman who has spent his whole life in the marine industry, fishing for salmon, herring, and halibut. During his lengthy career in the fishing industry, he traveled up and down British Columbia’s coast and shares a great appreciation for protecting our waters. As a community leader, Albert believes that the responsibility for all mariners is the very essence of what the Canadian Coast Guard Station in Hartley Bay will provide: safety and protection for people as they travel in the community’s waters.

Arnold Clifton, hereditary chief Wii Hai Waas of the Ganhada (Raven) clan of the Gitga’at Nation, was raised in Hartley Bay, British Columbia. Growing up in Hartley Bay, Arnold and others harvested many of the bounties that the Gitga’at territory and waterways provided for them. Growing up in a fishing community, Arnold was on fishing boats starting at the age of three and has been a captain since 1970. During Arnold’s many years of service as the elected Chief for the Gitga’at First Nation, he was one of the driving forces behind the effort to have the Canadian Coast Guard station built in Hartley Bay. Following the sinking of the Queen of the North in 2006, where members of the Gitga’at First Nation were the first responders on the scene, Arnold felt strongly about improving Canadian Coast Guard coverage between Prince Rupert and Bella Bella. Arnold is very proud of the hard work by many to make that vision a reality.

Owen Green, hereditary chief Sinaxeet of the Laxsgiik (Eagle) clan of the Gitga’at Nation, was born in Kitimat, British Columbia. At the age of two, Owen’s family moved to Prince Rupert, where he still lives today. Growing up, Owen looked forward to holidays and summers spent in Hartley Bay with his family. In October 2018, Owen was bestowed the hereditary chief title of Sinaxeet. He has worked for Water Taxi Services, the Prince Rupert grain terminal, and is currently a first mate on the Lax Kw’alaams ferry. Owen is still an avid hunter and fisherman who provides for his family.