Coast Funds

06/05/2026

🙌 🙌

In case you missed the news 👉 there's a new Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area on the Central Coast. Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon (which means Realm of the Salmon, Home of the Salmon) will cover 6,700 square kilometres — an area larger than Prince Edward Island.

"We’ve always had a responsibility to look after and take care of our territory, and that knowledge and responsibility is passed from generation to generation. It’s something that we’ve always done."

Congrats again to the Wuikinuxv, Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Heiltsuk, Gitxaała, and Gitga’at nations on this historic achievement!

🔗 [Read more by searching 'Marine Protected Areas in the World' on the Tyee website.]

06/01/2026

Curious about the Great Bear Sea PFP initaitive? 🌊 Learn more about this landmark agreement to protect over 10 million hectares of culturally and environmentally significant ocean.

On the coast of British Columbia, 17 First Nations worked with provincial and federal governments, and partners in conservation and philanthropy, to design and develop the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiative. This landmark agreement will designate a protected marine area network, and the initiative has, so far, been backed by $335 million in funding.

It's been a long journey to build, develop, and get the project approved. Since the 2000s, First Nations have been building strong regional alliances with philanthropic funders who share their values.

“That trust that we’ve built amongst each other allowed us to move mountains together,” says Christine Smith-Martin, CEO of Coastal First Nations.

Read the full article and watch a video about the Great Bear Sea PFP initiative: https://buff.ly/Yqk2N7X

Coast Funds

05/29/2026

Indigenous stewardship in action! 💪

If you missed the news, last week the Wuikinuxv, Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai'xais, Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk), Gitxaała, and Gitga'at Nations marked a historic milestone with the announcement of the Mia-yaltwa Ha'lidzogm hoon National Marine Conservation Area Reserve — an area larger than Prince Edward Island that will protect around 6,700 square kilometres of marine habitat.

This achievement reflects the unwavering leadership of First Nations up and down the coast who have stewarded these lands and waters for millennia. 🌊

05/28/2026

In 2025, we released a new report "Building A Conservation Economy" that highlights the collective impact of First Nations’ projects. We also celebrated 15 years of sustainable economic development alongside First Nations at the Great Bear Rainforest Economic Summit.

As we reflect on the milestones that First Nations achieve year after year, we continue to grow and learn from the Nations we serve. Last year, we increased our staff capacity and moved into a new office to meet the needs of the Nations accessing their funds through the Great Bear Sea PFP and continuing their path towards community prosperity and self-determination.

🔗 Read all the highlights from 2025 in this year's Annual Report: https://ow.ly/g0Uu50Z2rAJ

05/26/2026

A historic milestone for First Nations’ stewardship, conservation, and the future of Canada’s oceans! 🐋

The newly announced Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon National Marine Conservation Area Reserve will protect around 6,700 square kilometres of marine habitat – an area larger than Prince Edward Island.

This achievement reflects the unwavering leadership of Wuikinuxv, Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk), Gitxaała, and Gitga'at Nations working alongside Crown governments and partners to protect the Great Bear Sea.

Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon, meaning “realm of the salmon, home of the salmon,” will help protect delicate marine ecosystems, support coastal communities, helping these waters to thrive for generations to come.

[Read the full story by searching "New Protected Marine Reserve BC's Central Coast on the CBC website.]

05/25/2026

A recent study published by the British Ecological Society affirms what Indigenous peoples already know: Indigenous stewardship bolsters conservation goals. 🌱

The report called for a few recommendations, including:

✅ Strengthening the tenure for Indigenous lands
✅ Recognizing and safeguarding the exclusive rights of Indigenous Peoples to occupy them
✅ Providing the necessary resources for Indigenous Peoples to steward their lands effectively
✅ Supporting their governance

“There’s a real need to safeguard these lands.... If we’re going to be serious about the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis, we’ve got a clear mechanism to support this by safeguarding Indigenous Peoples’ lands." 🙌

[Read more by searching "When Indigenous Peoples Steward the Land, Nature Wins" on the Tyee website.]

05/22/2026

A historic milestone for First Nations’ stewardship, conservation, and the future of Canada’s oceans 🐳

The newly announced Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon National Marine Conservation Area Reserve will protect around 6,700 square kilometres of marine habitat – an area larger than Prince Edward Island.

This achievement reflects the unwavering leadership of Wuikinuxv Nation, Nuxalk Nation, Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation, Heiltsuk Tribal Council, Gitxaala Nation and GITGA'AT FIRST NATION working alongside Crown governments and partners to protect the Great Bear Sea.

Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon, meaning “realm of the salmon, home of the salmon,” will help protect delicate marine ecosystems, support coastal communities, helping these waters to thrive for generations to come.

LINK:

The reserve is within the Great Bear Sea, a diverse marine ecosystem that covers more than half of B.C.'s coast and includes glass sponge reefs, salmon, killer whales and migrating humpbacks.

05/22/2026

ICYMI, our 2025 Annual Report is out! ⚡ Last year, First Nations:

✅ Invested $24.9 million in economic and stewardship projects in 2025 alone
✅ Accessed Great Bear Sea PFP funds, securing marine protections and long-term funding for First Nations' conservation projects
✅ Celebrated 15 years of sustainable economic development at the Great Bear Rainforest Economic Summit
… and more!

🎥 Watch to see how First Nations are working with Coast Funds to build a conservation economy on the Great Bear Coast.

🔗 Read the full 2025 Annual Report here: https://ow.ly/AtP150Z1NlE

05/21/2026

“I remember singing Haida songs to keep myself busy and I was probably just encouraging myself, like, ‘You can do this, you'll make it through the night.’”

Through the ‘Laana DaaGang.nga (Swan Bay) Rediscovery program, Haida youth are empowered to become independent and overcome personal challenges — taking on a solo camping experience (pre-teens and teens only), designed to help them learn the skills they need to thrive alone in the 'wilderness' of Haida Gwaii. Through it, they build confidence, personal growth, and introspection, learning how to embody Haida values and reconnect with nature away from screens.

🔗 Learn about the incredible impact of these Haida culture camps:

The 'Laana DaaG̲ang.nga Swan Bay Rediscovery program supports Haida youth to step into leadership roles that benefit their careers, community, and the revitalization of Haida culture.

05/20/2026

Welcome, Hide!

We're delighted to welcome the newest member of our team: Hide Ozawa. As our Director of Communications and Engagement, Hide will lead communications, community engagement, and government relations, strengthening Coast Funds' capacity for serving First Nations.

Hide brings extensive experience in strategic communications, marketing, and public affairs, and previously worked with Crown governments, First Nations, and corporate clients.

Get to know Hide:

Coast Funds is pleased to welcome Hide Ozawa to the senior leadership team as the new Director of Communications and Engagement, effective April 2026.