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.

Haida Nation: Kunst’aa Guu–Kunst’aayah — Moving to a Sustainable Future Together

Haida Nation

In 2009, the Haida Nation and Province of BC signed a historic protocol agreement that ensures protection for cultural features and sensitive ecosystems on Haida Gwaii.

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Gitxaała Nation Invests in Crest Hotel, Tourism Growth in Prince Rupert

Estimated Reading time

4 Mins

On the north coast of modern-day British Columbia, the Gitxaała (alongside the Ts’msyen, Nisg̱a’a, and Haida) have welcomed guests to their territories for thousands of years. With the acquisition of the Crest Hotel, a Prince Rupert landmark, the Gitxaała are continuing that tradition in a modern way, while also creating economic opportunity in the community.

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tamara isaak - professional photo of a woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a grey suit jacket

Coast Funds Welcomes Tamara Isaak, Chief Financial Officer

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

Coast Funds is pleased to welcome Tamara Isaak to the leadership team as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective October 28. Tamara joins the team during an exciting time on the coast, and will provide financial leadership through period of growth and change at Coast Funds. Following the close of the Great Bear Sea

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Funding Round-Up: Apply for Fall Funding and Grants for First Nations

Estimated Reading time

8 Mins

First Nations working to manage their territories and invest in their communities may be eligible to apply for funding from Crown governments, philanthropic foundations, and corporate community investment programs. And, through Coast Funds, participating First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii may have funding available for stewardship, conservation, and economic development projects in addition

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Eddy Adra Honoured with Clean50 Award

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

Today, Coast Funds CEO Eddy Adra was honoured with a Clean50 Award in recognition of his work supporting 17 First Nations to develop the Great Bear Sea project finance for permanence (PFP) initiative and his leadership on values-aligned investing that incorporates Indigenous rights. The Clean50 Awards are presented each year by Delta Management Group and

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Share Your Feedback: Community Survey

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

Coast Funds has launched a community survey and is inviting community members, partners, and Talking Stick readers to share feedback on what it’s like to work with our team and how we can improve our website and communications. Take the Survey > This survey will take about 10 minutes to complete. As a thank you,

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Aligning Support for First Nations’ Marine Planning, Stewardship Initiatives

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

This year, Coast Funds signed a memorandum of understanding to deliver ongoing financial and administrative services for the Marine Plan Partnership for the North Pacific Coast (MaPP), which includes 17 First Nations and the Province of British Columbia. MaPP is a successful co-governance model that supports First Nations and the Province to develop and implement

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With the Metlakatla Wilderness Trail, the Metlakatla First Nation Brings Members, School Groups Onto the Land to Learn

Estimated Reading time

3 Mins

In 2012, Metlakatla First Nation had a bold vision: to develop a 20-kilometre wilderness trail, with three engineered suspension bridges and a viewing platform, in the heart of their traditional territory. The opening of the trail was a resounding success, drawing visitors from near and far to use the trail and frequent other Nation-owned businesses.

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A Shared Strategy for Safeguarding Our Coast

Estimated Reading time

4 Mins

Earlier this month, the Province of British Columbia released its Coastal Marine Strategy, which outlines a shared vision and action plan for sustainable management of coastal environments. To build the strategy, the Province worked closely with First Nations communities, experts, and stakeholders over two and a half years. Central to the strategy is the preservation

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Three Nations Gather to Celebrate Na̱max̱sa̱la’s First Journey

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

On July 17, over 150 people gathered on the beach at Cape Mudge, on Quadra Island, to welcome paddlers bearing Na̱max̱sa̱la – a xwax’wa̱na canoe carved in the traditional way – on its 83-kilometre journey through the Johnstone Strait, which divides Vancouver Island from mainland British Columbia. Earlier that morning, Wei Wai Kum, We Wai

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Vanessa Parnell Joins Coast Funds as Project Coordinator

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

This summer, our team has been fortunate to have Vanessa Parnell, Project Coordinator, with us for a summer internship supporting First Nations communities in reaching their goals for stewardship and conservation. As the Project Coordinator, she works closely with the Director of Stewardship Funding and the Project Review Committee and assists with grant funding administration,

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First Nations of the North Pacific Coast Celebrate Milestone for Coastal Conservation and Community Development

Estimated Reading time

4 Mins

JOINT NEWS RELEASE: Coastal First Nations – Great Bear Initiative, Na̲nwak̲olas Council, and Coast Funds The Great Bear Sea PFP, led by 17 participating First Nations, launches a new era of collaborative governance in marine conservation and stewardship. A total of $335 million for the PFP —$200 million from the Government of Canada, $60 million

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Finance for Forests: A Guide to Conservation Finance Options for First Nations

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

Today, Coast Funds, an Indigenous-led conservation finance organization serving First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii, releases Finance for Forests, a guide to financing First Nations’ conservation, stewardship, and Guardian programs. The report addresses a key question facing First Nations and other governments – how can communities conserve forest ecosystems without compromising

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Explore Indigenous-owned Businesses in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii

Estimated Reading time

13 Mins

Visitors can have life-changing experiences and fully embrace First Nations culture through Indigenous-owned tourism businesses. Tourism can benefit Indigenous communities by creating employment, linking young people to the land, and honouring traditional knowledge and practices. Explore a variety of Indigenous-owned tourism businesses, including luxury resorts and wildlife tours. JUMP TO: Prince Rupert | Nisg̱a’a Lands

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Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) Funding Available for Remote and First Nation Communities

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

Eligible remote and Indigenous communities seeking to decarbonize their electricity sources are invited to submit applications for the second intake of the Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) program. Applications open today and eligible communities are encouraged to apply ahead of deadlines (see below). Launched in 2022, CEDR is a $59-million program to deliver funding and

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Coast Funds’ 2023 Annual Report Highlights First Nations’ Achievements in Stewardship, Economic Development

Estimated Reading time

3 Mins

From releasing an action plan to protect their marine territories to launching new sustainable energy projects, First Nations are building a conservation economy in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii. Coast Funds is proud to serve First Nations and partner on projects that achieve their goals for stewardship, conservation, and economic development. DOWNLOAD ANNUAL

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Photo: Mary Helmer

Haida Nation’s Inherent Rights Recognized by the Province

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

The Haida Nation continues to make history. On April 6, Haida citizens voted to approve the Gaayhllxid • Gíihlagalgang Rising Tide Haida Title Lands Agreement, which marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing reconciliation process between the Haida Nation and the Province of British Columbia. Through a Special House of Assembly, held by the Council

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Coast Funds Welcomes New Team Members

Estimated Reading time

3 Mins

Coast Funds is expanding its team in alignment with our goals to serve First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii. With additional staff capacity, we’re preparing for new partnerships in the Great Bear Sea, broadening our storytelling and knowledge sharing, and enhancing our support for First Nations’ fundraising efforts. In the last

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2023 in Review: 23 Good News Stories from First Nations

Estimated Reading time

12 Mins

Up and down the coast, First Nations are making headlines, winning recognition for their Guardian and stewardship departments, for their investments in businesses and sustainable energy projects, and for their efforts to revitalize language and culture. In 2023, Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii declared new protected areas, increased the reach of

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