The Uchucklesaht Tribe Government (UTG) in Canada is set to launch its artesian spring water Thunderbird Spirit Water (TSW) at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) national convention.

To be held from 23 July to 26 July in Vancouver, British Columbia, the AFN convention attendees will be the first to view TSW, an artesian spring water that has been packaged in a glass bottle.

With the launch, UTG intends to introduce the brand to the marketplace and aims to showcase the sustainable attributes of the UTG’s territory.

“Thunderbird Spirit Water is the first of many commercial enterprises that will enable our people to work and to build our community infrastructure.”

Uchucklesaht Chief Charlie Cootes said: “This is a major milestone going forward for our people. Thunderbird Spirit Water is the first of many commercial enterprises that will enable our people to work and to build our community infrastructure, and our capacity while retaining our own cultural identity in a sustainable manner.

“Our people have worked so hard to get to this point and now we proudly offer the world’s finest water brand.”

The new naturally-sourced spring water will be produced at a new 10,000ft² bottling facility that is planned for construction in Port Alberni.

North Vancouver’s Sea 2 Sky Sports Nutrition has been appointed for the distribution of TSW in the market.

UTG is a self-governing tribe headed by an elected and hereditary council. The Uchucklesaht are signatories to the 2011 Maa-nulth Treaty with Canada and British Columbia Governments.

Land and resources have been secured in their traditional territory with further focus on establishing environmentally sensitive business enterprises.