Coast Funds

🧡 On this National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, we’re pausing to reflect on the harmful legacy of Canada’s residential school system and to stand in solidarity with survivors and their families. This day emphasizes the importance of listening to Indigenous voices, acknowledging past injustices, and making a commitment to a future characterized by respect and understanding.

Do you need help finding grants and funding opportunities that are available during the Autumn season? 🍂 This fall, we’re excited to see new funding for Climate, Stewardship, And Conservation from funders such as: 🌱First Nations Health Authority 🌊NGN - National Guardians Network 🌲Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation 🍃New Relationship Trust Check out the full list here: https://ow.ly/is8m50TwvZx #funding #FirstNations #grants #stewardship #ecdev #indigenomics

This years Forestry Week’s theme is Two-Eyed Seeing, which is about blending Indigenous and western knowledge to sustain forest ecosystems. Check out our story about the Haida Nation and their forestry stewardship practices! 🌲 Haida stewardship staff, biologists, and researchers are collaborating to locate nests and suitable habitats for stads k’un (Northern goshawk) in the forests of Haida Gwaii. They are also examining how the stads k’un habitat is being influenced by invasive species and forestry activities. The livelihood and cultural practices of Indigenous communities in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii depend heavily on the forests in these regions. Forests have a vital role in their economy, culture, traditions, history, and future. https://lnkd.in/gATsuduz

🌊 We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks First Nations are restoring a loxiwe (clam garden) in Laich-Kwil-Tach territory, an ancient practice that dates back nearly 4,000 years. This sophisticated form of mariculture not only boosts clam productivity but also enhances food security and community resilience. In May 2024, over 60 community members, knowledge holders, and experts from We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, and K’ómoks First Nations collaborated for two days to restore this vital site. Supported by the Na̲nwak̲olas Council with funding from the Lenfest Ocean Program and the Marine Plan Partnership, this project symbolizes a revival of cultural knowledge and sustainable practices. Loxiwe are more than archaeological sites; they are living cultural landscapes that foster community connection and intergenerational knowledge-sharing. This resurgence is vital as the world adapts to challenges like climate change. https://lnkd.in/gmfY5BTn #WeWaiKai #WeiWaiKum # K’ómoks #FirstNations #IndigenousGuardians #GreatBearRainforest #Conservation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is next week, on September 30th. A day for remembrance, togetherness, education and reflection. If you and your loved ones are looking for an event to go to on this day, we have compiled a short list of B.C. events below. For event details, visit: https://lnkd.in/gpcTKP9H 1) Maple Ridge: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024 Join the Maple Ridge community as they walk together to honour survivors and their families. 2) Squamish: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler invites you to experience and connect with immersive programming and storytelling of Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl – the living culture of the original people of the shared territory where Whistler resides. 3) Vancouver: Truth and Reconciliation Day: NFB Film Screenings The Museum of Vancouver and the National Film Board are partnering to screen two films by Indigenous directors. 4) Victoria, KWENCH: Truth and Reconciliation: A Celebration of Indigenous Textile Arts Hear from various Indigenous speakers and community elders. 5) Coquitlam: Finding Your Voice: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Discover how to spread kindness through artmaking in this one-hour workshop with Indigenous artist Christine Mackenzie. 6) Pemberton: Lunch and Learn at Pemberton’s Downtown Barn People from Pemberton and the Lil’wat Nation can gather for an insightful conversation with Dr Lorna ‘Wanósts’a7’ Williams. 7) Prince George: National Day for Truth & Reconciliation - Commemorative & Healing Ceremony hosted by Lheidli T'enneh Join the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation for this commemorative and healing journey through story sharing, drumming, dancing and song. 8) Kamloops: National Day for Truth & Reconciliation This National Day For Truth & Reconciliation Event is a celebration that invites the general public to explore the Secwépemc culture. #NDTR #OrangeShirtDay

🌟 Help us serve you—share your thoughts in this short survey! 🌲 Coast Funds invites you to participate in our first-ever community survey. The survey is anonymous and voluntary, and will take about 10 minutes to complete. Once you finish, you can enter a draw to win one of four $250 gift cards for a BC business! 🎉 (Entries are collected separately.) Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard—this survey closes on October 9. Your feedback will help our team continue to improve our services and plan for the years to come. 👉 https://ow.ly/NmW250TuzCc

Participate in Truth and Reconciliation week online!

“It’s an area that we have stewarded for thousands of years, mainly through our governance system which is our Hereditary Chiefs, and that knowledge is passed down from generation to generation,” says elected Chief Councillor Doug Neasloss of the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation. At a #TEDx event held in Victoria, Chief Councillor Neasloss, took the stage to share perspectives on his Nation’s #stewardship practices and responsibilities. The Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation, in Klemtu, has collaborated with partners to safeguard half of their land in their territories and prohibit the hunting of grizzly and black bears. This inspiring talk highlights how traditional stewardship practices can offer solutions for our future. 🌿🌲 Chief Neasloss’ presentation shines a spotlight on the significance of Indigenous wisdom and stewardship practices. Watch the recently released TEDx talk on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gF7SkEYX

“This project is important because it connects Heiltsuk people, in particular youth, back to the land and water they descend from and gives them an opportunity to remove debris to help bring the land and water back to its original state,” says William Housty, Associate Director of the Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department. 🌊 #Haíłzaqv youth organized a two-day cleanup of the shoreline in their territories, showing their commitment to making a positive impact. Together with local community members, they removed 5,000 pounds of marine debris, including fishing gear, nets, ropes, polystyrene floats, and plastic bottles. The cleanup is part of a bigger effort by SSTOA members Maple Leaf Adventures and Bluewater Adventures, with support from the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund. Story and photos from Coastal First Nations - Great Bear Initiative: https://lnkd.in/gfrfNSfi #MarineConservation #ShorelineCleanup #CleanCoastCleanWaters

The signing of the Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala #IPCA Framework Agreement between Mamalilikulla First Nation and the Province of BC took place last month, and our team was fortunate enough to attend. As part of the MPA Network on BC’s coast, Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala contributes to its overall effectiveness. 🌊 Since 2021, Mamalilikulla declared the IPCA in 2021 and has been increasing its stewardship work in the territory, regularly overseeing water quality, carrying out archaeological surveys, ecological inventories, and starting efforts to restore salmon habitats. Coast Funds has been following Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala IPCA’s progress. Read our story here: https://lnkd.in/gmZcraEU