Coast Funds’ board of directors is pleased to announce Dallas Smith has been elected to the role of Chair.

Smith has been actively involved with Coast Funds’ since its inception. He served as a Coast Funds Member from 2007 to 2021, when he stepped down to become a board member.

“It’s an honour to step into this role at a time when Coast Funds shifts from a legacy organization of 2000s-era agreements to an organization that is actively partnering with First Nations across the region to uplift our efforts to build sustainable, self-determined financing for the governance and stewardship of our lands and seascapes,” says Smith. “It means a lot to me to support First Nations across the coasts of the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii as we all continue to restore our stewardship authorities and build healthy communities.”

With his wealth of experience, strong leadership abilities, and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of First Nations along the coast, our board is honoured to have Dallas as Coast Funds’ board chair.

Smith has spent most of his career working to strengthen the well-being of coastal First Nations people. As the founder and President of Na̲nwak̲olas Council he has built positive relationships with all levels of government, industry, and the philanthropic community to find balance between conservation and sustainable economic development.

“With his wealth of experience, strong leadership abilities, and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of First Nations along the coast, our board is honoured to have Dallas as Coast Funds’ board chair,” stated Ḵii’iljuus Barbara Wilson.

Smith has roots from all four corners of the Kwak̓wala speaking peoples. His mother comes from Haxwa’mis Wakeman Sound and Tsakis Fort Rupert and his father coming from G̱wayasdums Gilford Island and Qalagwees Tourner Island. He currently resides in Duncan with his wife and three daughters.

Biographies for all directors can be found HERE.