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 6, 2022.

“Tamara is a consummate professional and brings a wealth of experience in public service, governance, and land stewardship,” says board Chair Dallas Smith. “We’re excited to welcome her to the board, where she’ll support our work to empower First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii.”

Tamara serves as a Vancouver Regional Representative for the Council of the Haida Nation and as Secretary to the Board for the Rediscovery Haida Gwaii Society, which runs culture camps for Haida youth and adults.

“I am honoured to be working alongside the staff and Board of Coast Funds and to help support the important work being done throughout the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii,” says Davidson.

In her 25-year career in the federal public service, Tamara has worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Indigenous Services Canada; and Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. Through these roles, she’s built knowledge in the areas of land stewardship, strategic planning, community planning, visitor experience, and policy development. She has also worked in property management and managed more than 25 commercial/residential stratas in and around Vancouver.

Tamara has served on various boards and committees over the years, including the First Peoples Heritage, Language, and Culture Council; the First People’s Foundation; and the Haida Enterprise Corporation. On behalf of the Council of the Haida Nation, she also served as co-chair for the Haida Gwaii/QCI Land Use Planning Process. Through her work and service, Tamara has developed strong land stewardship skills and a collaborative approach to conflict resolution.

Meet Coast Funds’ board of directors >

Thanking Kii’iljuus for Her Dedication and Guidance

Tamara’s appointment comes after director Kii’iljuus Barbara Wilson completed her two-year term.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to Barbara for her dedication and guidance,” says Smith. “She made many contributions to our work at Coast Funds and we look forward to future opportunities to connect and collaborate.”

Barbara, a Haida Matriarch and scholar, was appointed to Coast Funds’ board by the Council of the Haida Nation in 2019. During her term, Barbara generously shared knowledge and stories about traditional stewardship, education and justice, and Haida culture.

Contributing to Well-Being Outcomes

Under the stewardship of the board of directors, Coast Funds has supported First Nations in achieving several well-being outcomes for their communities, including:

• The development of 18 regional monitoring and Guardian Watchmen programs, helping First Nations to steward and survey 5.6 million hectares.
• The leveraging of $102 million in investments with Coast Funds to attract an additional $267 million for stewardship, economic development, and infrastructure projects.
• The creation of nearly 1,200 new, permanent jobs, which provide family-supporting incomes for people living in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii.

Learn about Well-Being Outcomes >