Updates from Coast Funds

Published in communities throughout the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii since 2011, the Talking Stick explores conservation science, stewardship, sustainable development, and community well-being initiatives led by First Nations. Download the print issue: Talking Stick – Summer 2016 (PDF – 1.3 Mb).

The Talking Stick has been expanded online to include much more: in-depth interviews, videos, community well-being outcomes, and direct contact with storytellers. We invite you to explore this new storytelling platform where First Nations are sharing lessons, best practices and exciting new stories that continue to unfold across the coast.

Economic development funding continues. On behalf of our Board, we thank every community and business leader who spoke with us over the past year as we engaged with First Nations regarding the economic development fund. We’re pleased to announce that we received unanimous encouragement from communities to continue offering economic development funding beyond June 2017. This fall, we will develop a new strategic plan based on the insights we gained from communities. Our new strategic plan will be released in early 2017.

We are honoured to present the stories First Nations are sharing in this issue and online. If you would like us to publish your story, please reach out to us at: talkingstick@coastfunds.ca.

Stories from the Great Bear Rainforest

Heiltsuk Nation is Protecting Central Coast Herring

The Heiltsuk Nation is leading stewardship efforts to help the herring stocks in their territory recover. Read Heiltsuk’s Story.

Kwiakah Nation is Restoring Phillips Arm through Research

One of the smallest Nations in BC is working to restore and safeguard the important marine areas in their territory. Read Kwiakah’s Story.

Introducing New Faces at Coast Funds

In April, North Coast Skeena First Nations Stewardship Society nominated Bruce Watkinson to Coast Funds’ board of directors. Bruce is a member of the Gitxaala Nation and has been his Nation’s fisheries manager and marine program coordinator for many years. Previously, Bruce has been appointed as a Member of Coast Funds since our inception, and in moving to his new role on the board, North Coast Skeena has appointed Robert Grodecki as their new Member.

Also in April, Coast Funds’ board appointed Brodie Guy as our new executive director. Brodie has been with Coast Funds since 2013 and has worked in First Nations communities on the coast for over eight years. Since assuming this leadership role, Brodie has recruited two key members who we’re proud to introduce to you in this issue.

Miranda joins us from New Relationship Trust where she has many years of experience working with First Nations across BC, administering project funding. Miranda is Swexexmx and a member of Lower Nicola Band and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Studies from Royal Roads University.

In her new position, Miranda works closely with our Board, funders, and First Nations leaders on all aspects of Coast Funds’ governance. She also works closely with Nations to support conservation programs and research projects.

Ashley comes to Coast Funds having recently completed her Masters from SFU’s Resource and Environmental Management Program. Ashley is a chartered accountant, and has worked on development of social and micro-enterprises internationally with Engineers Without Borders Canada where she was their Manager of Finance.

In her new position, Ashley is taking a leading role working with Nations to foster economic development projects towards completion of the economic development fund.

Download the Print Edition