B.C. and Coastal First Nations renew commitment to sustainability and economic development

The Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative (CFN) and the Government of British Columbia have renewed their collaborative agreement to advance coastal sustainability and economic development. Building on past agreements, including the 2009 reconciliation protocol and the 2020 Pathway to Reconciliation memorandum, the renewed commitment aims to address shared goals in land and marine stewardship, economic revitalization, and climate adaptation.

Under the agreement, B.C. will contribute $1.6 million annually for four years to support government-to-government forums and initiatives. Christine Smith-Martin, CEO of CFN, highlighted the achievements in conservation and carbon offset projects, while B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Murray Rankin emphasized the importance of the governance framework for sustainable resource management.

The agreement also focuses on sustainable economic ventures and enhanced digital services for the north Pacific coast.