Coast Funds’ 2025 Annual Report: First Nations Invest $24.9 Million in Job Creation, Stewardship Opportunities

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.

A photograph of a rainforest and waterfall. Superimposed on top is the Coast Funds logo in white and text below it that says "2025 Annual Report". The logo is in the shape of a bear using North West Coast Indigenous art style.

Throughout their territories, First Nations are shaping a future where stewardship and economic opportunities support strong communities. Coast Funds’ 2025 Annual Report highlights a record-breaking year: In 2025, participating First Nations invested $24.9 million – marking the largest annual investment in projects since Coast Funds’ inception. The 2025 Annual Report also includes updates on the Great Bear Sea PFP implementation, reflections from closing the Economic Development Fund, and exciting changes to Coast Funds’ organizational capacity.

Download the Annual Report >

First Nations Invest in Communities, Stewardship

In 2025, participating First Nations advanced projects that protect lands and waters, scale up Guardian programs, and build infrastructure to support Indigenous-owned businesses. With $24.9 million approved to support 30 new projects in 2025, Nations are growing a conservation economy that sustains life and livelihoods through:

$4.7 million for 15 stewardship and conservation projects, and
$20.2 million for 15 community prosperity initiatives

For First Nations, implementing the Great Bear Sea PFP was a milestone occasion – Coast Funds improved its systems and invested contributions – bringing funds online ahead of schedule.

Since 2008, First Nations have leveraged financing through Coast Funds to invest $145.3 million in 512 projects supporting Indigenous-led business, community infrastructure, conservation, and stewardship of their land and marine territories.

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Celebrating Nations’ Success

Last year, Coast Funds published an economic impact study, Building a Conservation Economy, highlighting the collective impact of First Nations’ projects financed with an Economic Development Fund associated with the Great Bear Rainforest agreements. The study found that First Nations’ projects contributed an astounding $808 million to provincial GDP and supported $1.77 billion in gross economic output between 2008 and 2024.

To celebrate more than 15 years of First Nations’ achievements in economic development, Hereditary and elected Chiefs, business leaders, and representatives from Nations’ economic development corporations gathered for the Great Bear Rainforest Economic Summit. Throughout the summit, speakers and panelists reflected on how their projects have sparked change in their communities, creating job opportunities, generating revenue, and strengthening sectors like eco-tourism and sustainable fisheries.

Explore the Topline Brief >

Watch the Summit Recap Video >

Coast Funds Chair Dallas Smith (left), Gitxaała Hereditary Chief Nees Ma’Outa *Clifford White*, and Homalco Hereditary Chief Darren Blaney share their stories at the Great Bear Rainforest Economic Development Summit. (Photos: Georgie Lawson / Coast Funds)

Community Well-Being and Impact

First Nations continue to invest thoughtfully in their future, creating opportunities for healthy economies and thriving ecosystems by supporting meaningful jobs, establishing strong stewardship and monitoring programs, and involving youth in cultural revitalization programs.

Coast Funds works with First Nations to track outcomes and share knowledge and success stories to highlight the impact of their investments. The 2025 Annual Report includes updated outcomes data, tracking the cumulative impact of First Nations’ investments with Coast Funds from 2008 to 2025.

Social Empowerment Outcomes

1,455 new jobs created
$74.8 million added to household incomes

Environmental Conservation Outcomes

474 research and habitat restoration initiatives undertaken

Cultural Vitality Outcomes

117 cultural sites protected through stewardship

Economic Prosperity Outcomes

$572.2 million in contributed and leveraged funding for conservation and economic projects
$152.1 million invested in community and stewardship infrastructure

Explore Outcomes >

Building Our Capacity

Four representatives of the PFPs in Canada sit at a panel before a large audience. The facilitator, Eddy Adra, is on one side and is directing questions to the panelists. — Olayuk Akesuk (Qikiqtani Inuit Association), Lawrence Martin (Mushkegowuk Council), Dahti Tsetso (Our Land for the Future – NWT), Darcy Dobell (Great Bear Sea PFP), and facilitator Eddy Adra (Coast Funds), discuss PFPs as a model for scale and durability at the Salazar Conference in May 2025. (Photo: Logan Griffiths / Coast Funds.)

Over the last year, Coast Funds team made significant progress to implement the Great Ber Sea PFP, including receipt and investment of $335 million in contributions and the rapid launch of new funding for participating First Nations. To meet the growing needs of First Nations and partners, Coast Funds made careful investments in our operating capacity.

In 2025, Coast Funds:

Grew team and service capacity, welcoming new staff
Moved into a new office in downtown Vancouver
Engaged in community visits, events, and hosted First Nations and partners

As First Nations continue to build on a strong foundation and invest in a conservation economy that sustains people and place, Coast Funds is committed to providing and improving the services Nations expect.

With our new 2026-2028 Strategic Plan, Coast Funds will continue to support First Nations’ capacity, maintain organizational resilience, and deepen community engagement.

Download Our 2025 Annual Report to Learn More >