FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Coast Salish Territory (Vancouver, B.C.) – Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative (CFN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Smith-Martin to the position of Executive Director, effective Feb 15, 2021.

Christine is a member of the Haida Nation and Lax Kw’alaams community. She brings a wealth of expertise to the role with more than 20 years of experience as past Executive Director of the Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services. Most recently, Christine has been a part of the Skeena Wild Conservation team and also the BC representative for W. Dusk Energy Group (Renewable Energy).

“The board is excited to work with Christine and are confident we will be well positioned for success in the years to come under her guidance,” said Chief Marilyn Slett.

Slett, the president of the Coastal First Nations, added Christine’s hiring comes as we are developing a long-term strategic plan that builds on our past successes. “Christine will provide strong leadership to our team as we move forward with Reconciliation, addressing climate change and developing new marine and coastal protection strategies.”

Smith-Martin said she appreciates the board’s confidence in her, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to lead such a progressive organization. “CFN is resilient and I am confident we will continue to move forward and continue to provide the first-rate projects and initiatives our communities deserve.”

She has a long track record of partnering with conservation groups, as well as national and global advocates working to address climate change, salmon conservation and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples. “It is an honor to have this opportunity to lead CFN, I will bring my coastal community, cultural, conservations, national and international expertise to my role.”

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For more information:
Chief Marilyn Slett
President, Coastal First Nations
(250) 957-7721

Christine Smith-Martin
Executive Director, Coastal First Nations
604-340-6197

About Coastal First Nations
The Coastal First Nations promotes community self-sufficiency and sustainable economic development on BC’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii. Our communities are working together to build a strong, conservation-based economy that recognizes our Title and Rights, and protects our culture and ecosystems.