Updates from Coast Funds

Welcome to the fall 2019 edition of Talking Stick, a magazine that showcases the stewardship, conservation science, and sustainable development initiatives led by First Nations throughout the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii. Download the print issue: Fall 2019.

This issue features remarkable entrepreneurs from the Wuikinuxv and Haíɫzaqv Nations who have overcome significant barriers to build successful small businesses in remote coastal  communities.

In Rivers Inlet, Danielle Shaw and Archie Corbett of Wuikinuxv Nation launched West Sea Otter Water Taxi to serve the needs of their community by providing affordable transportation.

In Bella Bella, Ramona and Cliff Starr of the Haíɫzaqv Nation established and expanded their accommodation business, Bella Guest Cabins.

You can find full versions of these stories online at coastfunds.ca along with in-depth interviews, community well-being outcomes, and ways to connect directly with the individuals who develop and lead these initiatives.

We are also pleased to announce the appointment of three new fantastic directors to our board: Christina Gray, nominated by the North Coast Skeena Stewardship Society; Ts’xwiixw Megan Moody, nominated by the Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance; and Kii’iljuus Barbara Wilson, nominated by the Council of the Haida Nation. Each brings a diversity and depth of knowledge and experience to Coast Funds’ board of directors and we are grateful to be able to learn from them over the coming years.

Finally, we thank the Haíɫzaqv Nation for hosting our annual in-community board meeting in Bella Bella this past June. We deeply appreciate the generosity and hospitality of Haíɫzaqv leadership and community members who contributed so deeply to our experience while visiting.

We are honoured to present the stories First Nations are sharing in Talking Stick. If you’d like us to publish your story, please reach out to talkingstick@coastfunds.ca.

Darcy Dobell
Communications Committee Chair

Brodie Guy
Executive Director

Stories from the Great Bear Rainforest

West Sea Otter Water Taxi: A Community-Focused Small Business With a Big Impact

After three years in operation, West Sea Otter Water Taxi, a community-focused small business, is having a major impact on Wuikinuxv Nation by making travel affordable and getting members out on their territory. Read the story of West Sea Otter Water Taxi.

Bella Guest Cabins: The Growth of Small Business in Haíɫzaqv Territory

After just three years in business, Bella Guest Cabins found a demand for more accommodations in Bella Bella and decided to expand. Owners Cliff and Ramona Starr attribute their success to careful market research, detailed planning, and receiving the support of the Haílzaqv (Heiltsuk) Nation. Read the Bella Guest Cabins story.

Three First Nations Women Bring Wealth of Knowledge and Experience to Coast Funds Board of Directors

Coast Funds has announced the appointment of three First Nations women to its board of directors: Christina Gray, nominated by the North Coast Skeena Stewardship Society; Ts’xwiixw Megan Moody, nominated by the Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance; and Kii’iljuus Barbara Wilson, nominated by the Council of the Haida Nation. Read about Coast Funds’ new board members.

Download the Print Edition