Salish Soils, an Indigenous-owned environmental company based on the Sunshine Coast, has been named Business of the Year (11+ employees) at the 2025 Indigenous Business Awards, presented by the BC Achievement Foundation.
Founded in 2010 by Aaron Joe, Salish Soils began as a pilot project to repurpose fish waste into soil. Today, the company processes more than 20,000 tonnes of organic material annually, including food scraps, green waste, wood and biosolids, into compost, mulch and custom soil blends.
Its operations are rooted in shíshálh values of land stewardship and circular resource use.
“We’re honoured by this recognition and grateful to the BC Achievement Foundation for their important work,” said Joe, founder and CEO of Salish Soils, in the release. “Thank you to our amazing team, the shíshálh Nation, our partners, and everyone who’s helped us grow. We hope this award inspires others to lead with purpose and build regenerative models that support both land and community.”
The Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program, now in its 17th year, celebrates Indigenous-led enterprises that are driving innovation and economic growth across B.C.
“The 2025 Indigenous Business Award recipients embody the strength, vision, and wisdom of their Nations,” said Walter Pela, chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, in the release. “These leaders are building businesses that uplift future generations and reaffirm the vital role of Indigenous economies across these territories.”
The release explains Salish Soils operates on shíshálh territory in Sechelt and is guided by Indigenous teachings around regeneration and respect for the land. The company partners with local governments, farms, businesses and locals to divert organic waste, reduce landfill use, and return nutrients to the soil.
The 2025 awards gala will take place on November 5 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
Jordan Copp is Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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