Talking Stick – Spring 2017

The Spring 2017 edition of Talking Stick features a story on the origins and accomplishments of the Coastal Stewardship Network, and reflections from the Council of the Haida Nation on its implementation of the Kunst'aa Guu-Kunst'aayah Reconciliation Protocol.

Updates from Coast Funds

Published in communities throughout the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii since 2011, the Talking Stick explores conservation science, stewardship, sustainable development, and community well-being initiatives led by First Nations. Download the print issue: Talking Stick – Spring 2017 (PDF – 614 kb).

Since our last issue, we’ve announced that over $200 million has been invested in the region since Coast Funds began in 2007. Further, we’ve learned that approximately 10% of working- age First Nations citizens in the region are employed by projects that have been supported by Coast Funds. It’s encouraging to see the level of positive change occurring across the coast in just 10 years.

Our last issue announced the Board’s decision, following engagement with First Nations community and business leaders, to continue the economic development fund beyond 2017. We’re pleased to confirm that the fund was formally extended with the Province of British Columbia in March 2017. We also published a new strategic plan to guide us through to 2020, and in April, our 2016 Annual Report. As well, a major milestone was achieved last year: the amount disbursed to First Nations for economic development in 2016—$8.2 million—was higher than in any prior year.

We are honoured to present the stories First Nations are sharing about the origin of the Coastal Stewardship Network and the Haida Nation’s ongoing efforts to implement the Kunst’aa Guu–Kunst’aayah Reconciliation Protocol. If you would like us to publish your story, please reach out to us at: talkingstick@coastfunds.ca.

Stories from the Great Bear Rainforest & Haida Gwaii

Coastal First Nations: Sharing Intelligence Through the Coastal Stewardship Network

In less than a decade, several distinct Guardian Watchmen programs became part of a nine-Nation network of resource stewardship offices, supported by stable funding and operating a robust regional monitoring system. Coastal First Nations’ Coastal Stewardship Network inspires Indigenous peoples from across Canada and beyond. Read Coastal First Nations’ story.

Guardian Watchmen, Elders, and stewardship directors confer during the 2017 Annual Gathering at Hakai Institute of the Coastal Stewardship Network COURTESY OF Coastal First Nations / Bessie Brown

Haida Nation: Reflecting on the Kunst’aa Guu-Kunst’aayah Reconciliation Protocol

In 2009, the Council of the Haida Nation signed a groundbreaking agreement with the Province of B.C. Haida citizens reflect on how the Protocol has been working. Read Council of the Haida Nation’s story.

At the Gwaii Haanas Legacy Pole raising in 2013, Gwaaganad (Diane Brown), one of the key warriors who helped protect Gwaii Haanas from industrial logging, washes the pole with tree branches dripped in sea water whilst she says aloud prayers in the Haida language. Meanwhile, the young girls cover the pole with eagle down in a gesture of reverence. PHOTO BY Jeffrey Gibbs.

Community Wellbeing Outcomes

Our newly released Annual Report, discussed in our Spring 2017 newsletter, offers a snapshot of outcomes for community wellbeing of First Nations’ investments since Coast Funds’ inception. Read about community wellbeing outcomes.

Introducing Serena, Our New Executive Administrator

We’ve recently welcomed Serena Innes who is our new Executive Administrator. Serena applies more than 20 years of progressive experience in increasingly strategic roles for organizations such as Garibaldi Glass, BlueShore Financial, and the office of the CEO of the BC 2010 Olympic Games Secretariat. Serena offers critical organizational and administrative support to the entire Coast Funds team, and assists First Nations as they develop project funding applications for Coast Funds.

Download the print edition

Talking Stick Spring 2017

(PDF – 614 kb)