Over three days in June, in lək̓ʷəŋən territory Victoria, hundreds of Guardians gathered with their family members and supporters for the sixth annual First Nations National Guardian Gathering — an event grounded in community, culture, and shared commitment to stewardship. Attendees heard from Guardians leading stewardship programs across their territories, with topics ranging from restoring

Indigenous communities have been leading environmental stewardship for millennia using Traditional Knowledge that inherently protects the planet’s biodiversity. Using the project finance for permanence (PFP) model, Indigenous communities are securing lasting protections for sensitive ecosystems and long-term financing to sustain stewardship, Guardian programs, conservation efforts, and community-led economic development. In Canada, four groups of Indigenous

Following the announcement of the Great Bear Sea PFP, Coast Funds is growing its team to deliver new financing and services for First Nations. With new opportunities on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to join a team that’s committed to serving First Nations and supporting their goals for conservation, stewardship, and community

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

Following the announcement of the Great Bear Sea PFP, Coast Funds is growing its team to deliver new financing and services for First Nations. Coast Funds is hiring for two roles – Economic Development Analyst and Stewardship Funding Specialist – to support our team in delivering financial administration and project support services, highlighting the impact

In partnership with Coast Funds, First Nations invested nearly $7.8 million in conservation, stewardship, and economic development projects over the last year. And, in a landmark agreement, 17 First Nations worked with Crown governments and private funders to secure $335 million in long-term financing for the Great Bear Sea PFP. Download Annual Report> Celebrating First

Coast Funds is growing its team to build capacity to deliver new funding through the Great Bear Sea PFP and to enhance services for all the First Nations we serve. In recent weeks, Coast Funds has welcomed three new staff members: Aimee Nygaard (Development Manager), Logan Griffiths (Communications Specialist), and Jessi Goss (Executive Administrator), who

The Haida Nation’s long journey to affirm their title to Haida Gwaii has reached a historic milestone. With the signing of the Chiix̲uujin | Chaaw K̲aawgaa “Big Tide (Low Water)” Haida Title Lands Agreement on February 17. The Government of Canada has, for the first time, recognized Aboriginal title through negotiation rather than litigation. This

First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii made headlines in 2024 for their groundbreaking achievements in environmental stewardship, economic development, sustainable energy, and cultural revitalization. This year marked significant progress in Indigenous rights and conservation. Nations advanced treaty and title agreements, declared new protected areas, and invested in coastal communities and economic

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.

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

In October, nearly 300 stewardship and conservation leaders from more than 70 Indigenous Nations and Inuit organizations gathered in Vancouver for three days of peer learning on protected areas at the first-ever Indigenous Conservation Forum, led by seven Indigenous Nations. At the Forum, Indigenous leaders shared their experiences with declaring protected areas, going beyond the

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

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,

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

In Phillips Arm, an inlet stretching into the mountainous south-central coast of British Columbia, Kwiakah First Nation is preparing to open a new Centre for Excellence: a floating research facility with accommodations and amenities to support up to 16 scientists and stewardship staff working in the remote region. Set to open in spring 2025, the

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.