Spirit Bear Lodge, owned and operated by Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation, has become a successful model for conservation-based ecotourism. The Lodge has helped strengthen economic, conservation, and cultural well-being in the community of Klemtu.
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Member First Nations of the Na̲nwak̲olas Council demonstrate marine response skills, capacity, and Traditional Knowledge at the Spring 2026 Guardian Gathering in K’ómoks territory.
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Kitasoo Xai’xais’ New Community Store and Café will strengthen the local economy and lay the foundation for a prosperous future for generations to come.
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Today, we are proud to share the new, annual edition of Talking Stick magazine, which features captivating stories covering stewardship programs like Haida Nation’s race to protect stads k’un, economic development projects like Haisla’s Gizuá Market, and ’Wuìk̓inux̌v Nation’s work to explore conservation finance mechanisms.
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Six First Nations, the Government of Canada, and the Province of British Columbia announce a National Marine Conservation Area Reserve – part of the Great Bear Sea MPA Network – that will protect up to 6,700 km2 of coastal waters.
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Indigenous tourism is a vital way to preserve and share traditional knowledge and practices. First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii are growing their tourism businesses to share culture, while creating employment opportunities in their communities.
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Coast Funds is pleased to welcome Hide Ozawa to the senior leadership team as the new Director of Communications and Engagement, effective April 2026.
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A staff-curated list of external grants and funding opportunities available for First Nations’ projects in stewardship, sustainable energy, training, culture, and economic development.
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First Nations invested $24.9 million through Coast Funds in conservation and economic development projects – marking the largest annual investment in projects since Coast Funds’ inception.
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The ‘Laana DaaG̲ang.nga Swan Bay Rediscovery program supports Haida youth to step into leadership roles that benefit their careers, community, and the revitalization of Haida culture.
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Our new Strategic Plan outlines priorities for the next three years, with a renewed focus on service delivery, community engagement, and organizational resilience.
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As governments and conservation groups around the world move to protect biodiversity and nature, project finance for permanence offers a model for securing long-term funding and lasting ecosystem protections, benefitting both people and place. On the coast of modern-day British Columbia, 17 First Nations worked with provincial and federal governments, and with partners in conservation
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As oolichan return to spawn, First Nations on the coast mark the transition from winter to spring with celebrations such as Hoobiyee and the spring equinox. For millennia, First Nations on the coast of British Columbia have sustainably harvested oolichan, a finger-sized oily fish that is a member of the smelt family. Oolichan (also spelled
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Coast Funds is pleased to welcome Eau-Vive Heppenstall to the leadership team as the new Senior Director of Programs and Operations, effective February 24, 2026. Eau-Vive joins the team during a period of growth and, in this new role, will lead internal operations, strengthening Coast Funds’ capacity for serving First Nations in advancing conservation and
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Gitga’at First Nation has released its 2025 State of the Ocean report, which features contributions from Gitga’at Guardians, researchers, students, and community members. Each chapter highlights research and data from projects that support marine animal protection, ecosystem stewardship, and management of cultural sites. The 105-page report includes Gitga’at Guardians’ annual patrol summary, along with updates
First Nations carvers are working with wilkw / k ̓ wa’x̱ tłu Large Cultural Cedar to create cultural works, like an ocean-going xwax’wa̱na, that celebrate the revival of traditions.
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This year, First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii were recognized for their leadership in stewarding their lands and waters, strengthening governance and partnerships, and revitalizing languages and cultural traditions. Nations ratified new treaties and constitutions, advanced Indigenous-led conservation financing, expanded Guardian and stewardship programs, and led historic clean-energy transitions. Communities also
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Khasalus Kolten Grant is a multidisciplinary artist with family ties to the Musgamagw Dzawadaenuxw, Kwakiutl, Tlowitsis, Squamish, and N’Quatqua St’at’imc Nations. He works across a range of artistic practices including cedar wood carving, silver jewelry making, digital art, printmaking, and painting. His mentors include Klatle-Bhi Charles Sam, Kevin Cranmer, Phil Gray, and the late Richard
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In the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii, First Nations’ investments in the conservation economy, supported by a $60-million Economic Development Fund, have contributed $808 million to provincial GDP and netted $1.77 billion in gross economic output. These findings, supported by independent analysis and released in a new report – Building a Conservation Economy –
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New address: Coast Funds 800 – 925 W Georgia St Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3L2 Over the past few years, Coast Funds has grown its team to support First Nations’ priorities, including the Great Bear Sea PFP, and our new office will have space for our team to collaborate and host First Nations and partners.
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In October, First Nations leaders – including Hereditary and elected Chiefs, business leaders, and representatives from Nation’ economic development corporations – gathered in Vancouver for the Great Bear Rainforest Economic Summit, a conference marking more than 15 years of collective investment in sustainable businesses, infrastructure, and economic development on the coast. Participating First Nations have
