Coast Funds’ 2018 annual report reflects on 10 years of Indigenous-led conservation finance in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii. Between 2008—when the board first approved funding for a First Nations-led conservation project—and 2018, over $81.6 million was approved for 353 projects.

In 2018 alone, the board approved $2.4 million for 13 conservation and stewardship projects and $2.4 million for 10 economic development projects. Those projects are having huge impacts for communities and proving that prosperity and ecology are vitally linked.

Stewardship highlights from the past year include:

• Guardian Watchmen and other monitoring programs are continuing to grow; eight stewardship programs expanded in 2018.
• First Nations led cultural and ecological stewardship projects across more than 40 protected areas.
• Da’naxda’xw First Nation invested in the construction of three new Guardian cabins throughout Knight Inlet, Gitga’at Guardians built a new cabin at K’yel, and Metlakatla First Nation established a new land-based Guardian program.

The 2018 annual report also highlights how First Nations’ economies are continuing to diversify. In 2018, five new businesses were created with Coast Funds’ support, including:

• Dzawada’enuxw First Nation’s first project through the economic development fund: an acquisition of a marina and lodge.
• In Wuikinuxv territory, Hamatsa Reforestation started a silviculture business
• In Prince Rupert, Gitga’at First Nation is preparing to launch a laundromat service.
• Along the banks of the Bella Coola river, Nuxalk Nation is completing its impressive new longhouse restaurant and gift house.

Each of these projects provide training and job opportunities for First Nations community members. Since inception, Coast Funds has supported First Nations to create and expand 108 businesses and 1033 jobs. In 2018 alone, 39 permanent jobs were created from new economic development projects approved by the board, and 85% of these new jobs employ First Nations community members.

Download the 2018 annual report to read about 2018 highlights and reflect on the impacts of 10 years of conservation finance. Explore all community well-being outcomes since Coast Funds’ inception here. You can also receive inspiring stories behind the numbers by SUBSCRIBING to receive the Talking Stick email.