Chief Paddy Walkus Kwa'lilas

Reclaiming Control: How the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw are Determining their Economic Future

Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations

Through in-depth community consultations, the establishment of the k̓awat̕si Economic Development Corporation reinvigorated the economic heartbeat of a community.

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We’re Hiring! Stewardship Project Coordinator

Estimated Reading time

3 Mins

The Opportunity As Stewardship Project Coordinator, you’ll work with a team that delivers financing for First Nations’ conservation, stewardship, and Guardian programs in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii. As an integral member of a small, collaborative, high-functioning team, you’ll: Coordinate the administration of approved projects in Coast Funds’ conservation funding stream, including supporting

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With Rinse Rupert Laundry, Gitga’at Development Corporation Puts a New Spin on a Community Space

Estimated Reading time

5 Mins

Gitga’at Development Corporation (GDC), the economic arm of Gitga’at First Nation, purchased a 10,000-square foot office and commercial space in 2017. Since acquiring the building, the GDC has created a community and cultural space for Gitga’at members living in the Prince Rupert area. The space doubles as a commercial hub, expanding the Nation’s economic assets and

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15 First Nations, Crown Governments Endorse Plan for Network of Protected Areas in the Great Bear Sea

Estimated Reading time

5 Mins

After more than a decade of work, First Nations and their partners shared their plan to establish a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along the northern coast of British Columbia. On Saturday, Feb. 4, leaders from 15 First Nations joined representatives from the Governments of Canada and British Columbia to announce their endorsement of

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First Nations Have Created Over 1,250 Jobs, 120 Businesses Since 2008

Estimated Reading time

5 Mins

A report released today identifies job creation, economic diversification, and other outcomes from 15 years of First Nations’ investments in stewardship and economic development in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii. Sustaining People and Place, published by Coast Funds, describes how conservation financing has benefitted communities and supported the protection of rainforest ecosystems that

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First Nations Invest in Community Energy Plans, Renewable Energy Projects

Estimated Reading time

4 Mins

Through the Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) program, 12 First Nations that rely on diesel for electricity – including eight communities in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii – will receive $7.1 million for community-driven projects to generate clean electricity, increase energy efficiency, and plan for future needs. Part of the Province of BC’s

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Year in Review: 22 Wins from First Nations in 2022

Estimated Reading time

9 Mins

In 2022, First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii have made headlines for their Guardian and stewardship programs, leadership in sustainable energy, and investments in culture and community-owned businesses. Looking back over the last year, there were many bright spots and important wins. Three First Nations declared Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas

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Coast Funds Welcomes New Director, Finance: Zahra Laarif

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

This fall, Coast Funds welcomed Zahra Laarif to the staff team. As the Director, Finance, Zahra leads on accounting and budgeting, financial reporting, and disbursement of funds, ensuring careful stewardship of funds for First Nations’ conservation, sustainable energy, and economic development projects. Zahra is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) with more than 15 years

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COP15: Government of Canada Commits Funding for Indigenous-Led Conservation in the Great Bear Sea

Estimated Reading time

3 Mins

Coast Funds welcomes the Government of Canada’s $800-million commitment, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the COP15 conference in Montreal, to supporting four Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, including one in the Great Bear Sea. Along the Pacific coast, 17 First Nations are working through Coastal First Nations and Na̲nwak̲olas Council, with support from Coast Funds

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Guides and Guardians: Blending Ecotourism and Stewardship Training to Build a Conservation Economy

Estimated Reading time

10 Mins

Guardians and Indigenous ecotourism guides have a lot in common. In both roles, trained professionals rely on their knowledge of a Nation’s territory, wildlife behaviour, and stewardship practices in order to carry out their work to guide visitors and monitor territory. Frank Brown, a Haíɫzaqv hereditary Chief and experienced leader in stewardship operations and economic

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Wei Wai Kum Guardians: In the Steps of Our Ancestors

Wei Wai Kum Nation

For millennia, the Wei Wai Kum, part of the Laich-Kwil-Tach group of First Nations, have watched over and cared for the lands and waters in their territory. Today, the Nation’s Guardians combine traditional knowledge with scientific tools to carry out that responsibility in a modern way, bringing their findings back to decision makers.

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Welcoming Coast Funds’ New CEO: Eddy Adra

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

In recruiting for a new CEO, Coast Funds’ board of directors oversaw an extensive and thoughtful recruitment process and partnered with an executive recruitment agency that works with First Nations. Eddy joined Coast Funds in 2018 and served as Director, Finance and Chief Financial Officer before stepping into the role of Acting CEO, following the

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Announcing a New $29-Million Fund for Remote Communities to Switch from Diesel to Renewables

Estimated Reading time

3 Mins

Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) is a key part of the Province’s CleanBC Remote Community Energy Strategy, which aims to reduce diesel consumption for generating electricity by 80 per cent by 2030. To deliver this program, the Province has partnered with the New Relationship Trust (NRT) to facilitate investments with remote communities for community energy

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Tamara Davidson

Coast Funds Welcomes Laanas (Tamara Davidson) to the Board of Directors

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

Coast Funds is pleased to welcome Laanas Tamara Davidson, a member of the Haida Nation and a highly respected planning and governance professional, to its board of directors. The Council of the Haida Nation nominated Tamara for a two-year term, and her appointment was approved by Members at Coast Funds’ annual general meeting on July

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Coast Funds, Nature United Work Together to Decolonize Governance of $110M in First Nations’ Conservation, Economic Funds

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

Through changes to the governance of Coast Funds, an Indigenous-led conservation finance organization, several private funders are working through Nature United to reduce their roles and transfer power to the 27 First Nations and regional alliances leading the stewardship efforts that the funds were designed to support. “These changes are leading the shift to a

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Kitasoo Xai’xais Declare Marine Protected Area in Gitdisdzu Lugyeks (Kitasu Bay)

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

On June 22, Kitasoo / Xai’xais Nation announced the creation of a new, Indigenous-declared marine protected area (MPA) in Gitdisdzu Lugyeks Kitasu Bay, covering 33.5 acres of the Nation’s marine territory. Gitdisdzu Lugyeks, located less than 20 kilometres from Klemtu, is a spiritually significant place for Kitasoo and Xai’xais peoples, and provides rich habitat for

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patricia sayer

Coast Funds Welcomes Patricia Sayer – Manager, Economic Development

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

Please join us in welcoming Patricia Sayer, Manager, Economic Development, to the Coast Funds team. In her new role, Patricia will work with First Nations to identify opportunities, create business plans, manage risks, and evaluate the impacts of their economic investments with Coast Funds. Patricia is a proud Cree-Métis Saulteaux woman from Treaty 4 territory

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Paths to Energy Sovereignty: A Case for Investment in Renewable Energy

Estimated Reading time

5 Mins

Within the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii, there are 11 “off grid” First Nation communities that aren’t connected to British Columbia’s electrical grid. These communities generate their electricity locally and many rely on diesel fuel for all or part of their energy needs. To gain a better understanding of these First Nations’ priorities, and

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Coast Funds Annual Report Highlights First Nations’ Leadership, Investments in Sustainable Economies

Estimated Reading time

2 Mins

Through the many challenges 2021 brought, First Nations demonstrated incredible leadership and resilience, working together and with partners to uplift youth, launch businesses, and steward their traditional territories. In our annual report, you’ll hear from community leaders who are managing Guardian programs, investing in ecotourism businesses, and transitioning to renewable energy. In 2021, Coast Funds’

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