A new man
Squamish Nation hereditary Chief Gilbert "Gibby" Jacob is one of the most influential Native leaders in Canada. He is a man with quiet power
and was twice recognized as a significant member of society and honoured with Vancouver Magazine's Power 50 Award.
"I am happy to participate as a volunteer on the advisory board of Affinor Growers that's how strongly I believe in this project!" - Chief Gilbert "Gibby" Jacob
Jacob's participation was key in the bid for the 2010 Olympic Games for Canada and was a part of the final team of ten people who represented Canada in its last presentation to the IOC in Prague when Vancouver was awarded the Games. Jacob was appointed as a VANOC board member representative for Lil'wat Nation and Squamish Nation for the duration of the planning and execution of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Chief Jacob helped broker the deal that established the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, as well as the Olympic land Legacy and amongst other Legacies that resulted in the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations gaining several tracts land in the Whistler community - including the Baxter Creek area above the Rainbow subdivision that is being developed for housing.
"He's one of the most important leaders in this province, if not the country," says Pam Goldsmith-Jones, retired mayor of West Vancouver. "When he speaks, people listen." Jacob has been described as a sly tactician who's helping to remake aboriginal rights in Canada.
Chief Jacob comments: "My view is that if the original equipment could do what it was designed to do, a social statement had to be a component of the project and the statement was that we have the ability to assist Indigenous peoples globally to feed themselves as this is a fundamental right that all of us hold! To me this is an exciting emerging farming technology and my belief is that this will in large part respond to the food security that is being faced globally!"
Nick Brusatore, Affinor Chairman comments: "Affinor is very excited to help Chief Jacob extend his vision for his people and other Indigenous Groups by working closely with him on food and medicinal plant production to improve the health of all".