Nisg̱a'a and Tahltan Nations and Arrow Transportation Officially Open British Columbia's First Majority Indigenous-Owned Port

One year after acquiring the Portland Canal Marine Terminal, the partners are celebrating its official opening and operational improvements in preparation for expansion investment, cementing an integrated mine-to-market transportation network that strengthens Canada's critical minerals supply chain

STEWART, British Columbia, Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Nisg̱a’a and Tahltan Nations, together with Arrow Transportation Systems Inc. today celebrated the official opening of the Portland Canal Marine Terminal — British Columbia’s first majority Indigenous-owned port, marking an important milestone in Indigenous-led infrastructure ownership, transportation and economic development.

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.

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.

Since acquiring the terminal in fall 2025, the partners have focused on modernization and expansion planning for the Port and building an integrated transportation network, strengthening the foundations that drive performance, positioning it as a more efficient, connected, competitive and environmentally responsible infrastructure gateway to serve Northwest British Columbia and Yukon.

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.

Collectively, these investments will strengthen B.C. and Canada’s critical minerals supply chain, improve access to global markets and support the major mining and infrastructure projects needed to develop the region.

The official opening comes one year after the partners announced the acquisition of the Stewart Bulk Terminal, forming an integrated transportation and logistics business that supports Canada's growing critical minerals sector. Northwest B.C. is home to more than 50 percent of the province's exploration and mining sector, and as mining activity grows across the Golden Triangle, the terminal is expected to play an increasingly important role in moving critical minerals to global markets and supporting economic growth for the Nisg̱a'a and Tahltan Nations and the broader region.

QUOTES

“The Portland Canal Marine Terminal is an economic engine for the future of our region — linking the projects, infrastructure and opportunities across Tahltan Territory and Northwest B.C. to global markets. Through our ownership via Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, we are turning that growth into lasting benefits at home: more opportunities for our people and businesses, better infrastructure and stronger communities, and more resources to support the health and well-being of Tahltan people for generations to come.”

Kerry Carlick, President, Tahltan Central Government on behalf of the Tahltan Leadership Council, which includes Chief Marie Quock of Iskut Band and Chief Richard Jackson of Tahltan Band

“The official opening of the Portland Canal Marine Terminal is a significant milestone for the Nisg̱a’a Nation and represents the strength of Indigenous leadership, partnership, and economic self-determination. 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. We are proud to be part of this investment in our region and look forward to the opportunities it will create for our citizens, our communities, and future generations. With the support of our partners and governments, we are building a stronger economic future while ensuring that Indigenous Nations have a meaningful role in shaping the development of our territories and our region.”

Eva Clayton, President, Nisg̱a'a Lisims Government

“The official opening of the Portland Canal Marine Terminal shows that when governments, First Nations and the private sector work together we can move quickly to create good jobs and grow our economy. This port is key to thousands of jobs in mining in B.C. and supports our nation’s global trade diversification efforts.”

David Eby, Premier, Province of British Columbia 

“The Portland Canal Marine Terminal is an important gateway for Northern British Columbia, and the opening of British Columbia’s first majority Indigenous-owned port is a powerful example of what can be achieved through Indigenous leadership and partnership. By strengthening the infrastructure that connects Canadian resources to global markets, we are creating new opportunities for workers and communities across the North while building a more resilient and competitive Canadian economy.”

Wade Grant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra

“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. This new and exciting partnership will provide a critical infrastructure asset that will be essential to the continued growth in northwest British Columbia.”

Mitchell Zulinick, Co-Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Arrow Group of Companies 

ABOUT PORTLAND CANAL MARINE TERMINAL

The Portland Canal Marine Terminal, located in Stewart, British Columbia, which sits on approximately six acres of foreshore at the northern end of the Portland Canal, is a fully permitted deep-sea shipping terminal that provides reliable, all-weather, ice-free operations. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the transportation of critical minerals, such as copper concentrate, from the region to market. Its competitive advantages include lower handling and port costs than competing mineral export terminals, shorter shipping distances to Asian markets, reducing fuel and charter costs, and direct highway access linking the port with northwest BC and Yukon. The Portland Canal Marine Terminal handles approximately 300,000 tonnes of copper and gold concentrate annually.

It is owned and operated by Portland Canal Holdings Limited Partnership, a partnership between Nisg̱a’a Nation, Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) – the business arm of the Tahltan Nation, and Arrow Transportation Systems Inc. Together with Portland Canal Transportation, the partnership provides integrated trucking, logistics and marine terminal services supporting customers throughout northwestern British Columbia. The Portland Canal Group employs ~100 full time employees across the port and transportation operations.

For media interview requests, please contact:
Nicole Paul
PCMT@talkshopmedia.com
778-838-2466

Media assets, including backgrounder, photography and B-roll from today's official opening, are available upon request.