Coast Funds

First Nations are redefining economic leadership. 🌱 Up and down the coast, First Nations and their economic development corporations are driving innovative, Indigenous-led economic strategies that balance business growth, community well-being, and environmental stewardship. Their approach demonstrates how governance rooted in culture and knowledge can create sustainable, resilient regional economies for generations to come. 🔗 Full story:

On the coast of British Columbia, First Nations have built a diversified conservation economy that strengthens communities and protects ecosystems. Leveraging economic development funding contributed through the Great Bear Rainforest agreements, First Nations have invested $316 million over 17 years in businesses, infrastructure, and economic initiatives, which have, in turn, generated: ➡️ $331 million in household income ➡️ $808 million in contributions to provincial GDP ➡️ $1.77 billion in gross output These results, supported by independent analysis and released today, show how First Nations’ strategic investments in businesses, infrastructure, and employment can sustain long-term economic growth for communities, while also supporting investment in conservation and stewardship. (Figures adjusted for inflation to 2024 dollars.) Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/guqtDtSf #indigenomics #economicdevelopment #britishcolumbia #GreatBearRainforest #HaidaGwaii

On the Ḵ’alii-Aksim Lisims (Nass River), the Nisg̱a’a are using fishwheels and radio telemetry to track salmon migration, en route mortality, and track population trends. Sitting on a pontoon in the river, a fishwheel is a large rotating structure – a little like a Ferris wheel – that turns with the current. Baskets attached to the wheel’s spokes gently catch salmon, guiding them into a tank so that technicians can identify, record, and sometimes tag, the fish before returning it to the river. 🔗 Learn more:

“What the [economic development] funds have done is give us the idea that there's these opportunities out there. It was very exciting, and it gave me a lot of hope for our future. I think there's a lot of opportunities for us to look at other areas of business that will help us to keep growing.” - Chief Darren Blaney, from Homalco First Nation Recently, First Nations leaders gathered in Vancouver for the Great Bear Rainforest Economic Summitto mark more than 15 years of investment in sustainable businesses and community infrastructure. It also marked the completion of $60 million in economic development funding secured through the 2006 Great Bear Rainforest Agreement. Leaders reflected on how their Nations’ investments have created new jobs, launched businesses, and attracted $207 million in additional investment – a more-than three-fold return on the original capital. They also highlighted how this work continues to support community education and training opportunities across the region. Háw’aa, Gilakas’la, and thank you to all the speakers, participants, and partners who contributed to a meaningful event. We’re also grateful to our sponsors ACM Advisors, Fiera Capital, and Axium Infrastructure for supporting the event and travel costs. 🔗 Full story:

✨ NEW ✨ Explore our latest roundup of external grants and funding opportunities available for First Nation–led projects. These programs support initiatives in stewardship, conservation, economic development, climate action, and more. 🔗 See the full list:

For generations, Gizuá Market has been more than a store for the x̄á’isla (Haisla) community in Kitamaat Village – it's where families pick up groceries, share meals, and connect with neighbours. yáqʷa Development Corporation, owned by the x̄á’isla Nation, recently acquired the market (formerly known as Sunrise General Merchandise), and has started phased renovations to improve amenities while keeping the doors open. Plans include upgrading the market, refreshing the restaurant space, and ensuring service continues without interruption. By investing in Gizuá Market, yáqʷa is helping sustain a place that has supported daily life in Kitamaat Village since the 1960’s. 🔗 Read more: