Photo: Robert J. Dennis Sr. (Emchayiik), 2024 Indigenous Business Award of Distinction recipient
Robert J. Dennis Sr. (Emchayiik) is a distinguished leader who exemplifies the essence of the Indigenous Business (IBA) Award of Distinction, which he received last month at the 16th annual IBA Gala Dinner. Having dedicated his life to fostering Indigenous business activities for his Nation and with a career spanning decades, Robert has played a pivotal role in advancing the economic and political landscape of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN).
Serving as elected Chief Councillor for HFN from 1995 to 2011 and again from 2015 until his final term in June 2023, Robert’s leadership has been marked by a commitment to the prosperity and self-determination of his people. Prior to his tenure as Chief Councillor, Robert spent 12 years as a Councillor and three years as Band Manager, laying the groundwork for the significant achievements that would follow.
As HFNs Chief Negotiator for 14 years, Robert spearheaded the implementation of the Maa-Nulth modern treaty in 2011, a landmark achievement that has allowed the Nation to benefit from self-government and transition from a rights-based discourse to one centered on economic reconciliation. His vision for a stronger future is rooted in an economic development and business-based agenda, steering away from entitlement and towards sustainable progress.
Beyond his political service, Robert’s background as a fisherman and logger provides him with a profound understanding of resource management in his Territory. This hands-on experience fuelled his drive to learn from the past and embrace a more inclusive approach to achieving shared goals. Robert states “We can’t worry about what happened in the past. We can learn from the past, but we can’t worry about it. We can’t blame people for what happened, we can’t blame other jurisdictions, we can’t blame other things outside of our Nation. We can only focus on what we have inside of our Nation and take it step by step.” He is committed to forging innovative and unique partnerships with businesses, believing that collaboration is key to unlocking new opportunities for the HFN.
Robert embodies the HFN Sacred Principles: ʔiisaak – Greater Respect; ʔuuʔałuk – Taking Care Of; and Hišuk ma c̕awak – Everything is One. His perfect combination of vision, tenacity, and courage has made him an exemplary leader who continues to inspire and create lasting impacts in his community. In his own words, Robert says “I always say, rather than complain about it, what are you going to do about it? What can you do to change it? If there’s a plan that needs to be developed, do it. If there’s a capital investment that’s needed and if it’s viable do it. If it’s worthwhile business opportunity that’s worth building just do it.”
His work stands as a testament to the transformative power of economic reconciliation.
Watch the short film produced by BC Achievement on the powerful work of Indigenous Business Award of Distinction Recipient 2024 Robert J. Dennis Sr. (Emchayiik).
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
