Coastal First Nations

Coastal First Nations The Coastal First Nations is an alliance of First Nations on British Columbia’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii.

The Great Bear Initiative was created with the conviction that if a conservation-based economy is to succeed, our active and meaningful participation is essential. We believe that the people who best know, use, and protect biodiversity are the First Nations people who live in these magnificent forests and waters. Our experience has taught us that strong and thriving Coastal First Nations cultures,

with recognition of our Aboriginal Title and Rights to our lands, is the key to a conservation-based economy in our Traditional Territories.

The Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) project has been recognized as “a remarkable example of Indigeno...
08/25/2026

The Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) project has been recognized as “a remarkable example of Indigenous-led conservation finance, governance, stewardship, and long-term community impact” by Fulbright Canada.

“The Great Bear Sea PFP that we collectively developed is supporting the conservation goals the world needs and ensures our communities have the resources, training, and equipment for durable and collaborative management.” - Christine Smith Martin, CEO of Coastal First Nations and co-Chair of the Coast Solutions Task Group.

https://coastalfirstnations.ca/resources/great-bear-sea-pfp-recognized-for-outstanding-indigenous-leadership-and-long-term-impact/

Great Bear Sea initiative recognized as “remarkable example of Indigenous-led conservation finance, governance, stewardship, and long-term community impact.”

  Looking for a great opportunity? Coastal First Nations is hiring an Accounts Payable Administrator to join our growing...
08/20/2026

Looking for a great opportunity?

Coastal First Nations is hiring an Accounts Payable Administrator to join our growing team. Deadline is Sept 1. Apply today!

Full details here:https://coastalfirstnations.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Job-Posting_Accounts-Payable-Administrator.pdf

08/19/2026

Gitga'at First Nation is calling on all Gitga'at artists to submit original artwork honouring Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30th.

We are looking for artwork that reflects the spirit of truth, healing, reconciliation, and remembrance, honouring residential school Survivors, those who never came home, and their families and communities.

The winning design will be featured on this year's Truth and Reconciliation swag.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
+ High-quality digital image of your artwork
+ Your name and contact information
+ Title of the artwork
+ A brief description of your piece and its meaning

HOW TO SUBMIT
Email your submission to [email protected]
or drop it off in person at the Band Office front desk.

DEADLINE
August 22 (This allows time for selection and printing.)

PRIZE
The selected artist will receive $1,000 plus recognition of their work within the community.

Questions? Reach out to Mavourneen, Cultural Coordinator, at [email protected]

Last month, Indigenous leaders from the North Pacific Coast gathered together in Heiltsuk Territory for the Coastal Stro...
08/17/2026

Last month, Indigenous leaders from the North Pacific Coast gathered together in Heiltsuk Territory for the Coastal Strong Symposium. The event was hosted by the Heiltsuk Tribal Council and held in the Big House in Bella Bella.

On July 25 and 26, Indigenous leaders from the North Pacific Coast gathered in Heiltsuk Territory for the Coastal Strong Symposium.

07/25/2026

In June 2026, Kitasoo Xai’xais Guardians travelled to Haida Gwaii for a learning exchange with Haida Fisheries Guardians.

CFN's Indigenous Climate Action Network held its Annual Gathering last month in Prince Rupert. Hosted jointly by the Git...
07/07/2026

CFN's Indigenous Climate Action Network held its Annual Gathering last month in Prince Rupert.

Hosted jointly by the Gitga’at, Gitxaała and Metlakatla First Nations, the Gathering brought together coordinators from 10 communities for a week of cultural activities, field visits, training and knowledge sharing. Click to learn more👇🏽

ICAN held its Annual Gathering in Prince Rupert, the territory of the Sm'algya̱x speaking people, June 8–12, 2026.

In June, a group of Kitasoo Xai’xais Guardians made the long trek from the Central Coast to Old Massett on Haida Gwaii t...
07/06/2026

In June, a group of Kitasoo Xai’xais Guardians made the long trek from the Central Coast to Old Massett on Haida Gwaii to connect with the Haida Fisheries Guardians for a learning exchange.

The week-long visit was part of a series of Guardian learning exchanges for , facilitated by CFN's Coastal Stewardship Network, that give the teams a chance to learn from each other and explore their unique stewardship goals and priorities.

In June 2026, Kitasoo Xai’xais Guardians travelled to Haida Gwaii for a learning exchange with Haida Fisheries Guardians.

“Today, we learned that the province of BC and Canada have pledged to uphold the North Coast tanker ban as part of their...
07/02/2026

“Today, we learned that the province of BC and Canada have pledged to uphold the North Coast tanker ban as part of their cooperative agreement... We applaud BC Premier David Eby for his leadership in upholding the oil tanker ban and we thank Prime Minister Carney for recognizing the importance of our coast."
- Marilyn Slett, President of Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative and elected Chief Councillor of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council

Upholding the oil tanker ban protects the North Coast economy, coastal livelihoods, and one of the world’s most productive cold-water marine environments.

06/23/2026

Artist Callout
The CHN Marine Planning Program is seeking a Haida Artist to create the following 6 formline designs:
• Daga Ḵ’iwaans | G̲uudagiiɢ̲ayd Prawn
• K̲’ust’áan | K̲’uust’an Dungeness Crab
• Ts’at’áan | Ts’iit’an Pink Salmon
• Sk’aga | Sk’aagii Chum Salmon
• Gúudangee | Guuding.ngaay Sea Urchin
• Sk̲áw tl’áahljuu | Sk̲aawal Geoduck

Designs must be vectorized, scalable, and available in both colour and greyscale.
Rate to be determined with selected artist.

To apply, please email a sample of your portfolio to:
[email protected]
Deadline for Applications: July 10th, 2026

Address

#1660/409 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
V6C1T2

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