FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Coast Salish Territory (Vancouver, BC) – Coastal First Nations congratulates the Marine Plan Partnership (MaPP) on receiving the BC Reconciliation Award.

The award recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering Truth and Reconciliation in BC.

Christine Smith-Martin, executive director of Coastal First Nations, said we are proud to support our member Nations for their work with MaPP in developing and implementing marine use plans. “The unique partnership between our communities and British Columbia is a powerful example of Reconciliation in action.”

Coastal First Nations communities that are partners in MaPP include Wuikinuxv, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’xais, Nuxalk, Gitga’at, Gitxaala, Metlakatla, Old Massett, Skidegate and Council of the Haida Nation.

The work with the Province has given our member First Nations leverage in prioritizing and addressing their most significant coastal and marine issues. “It ensures priorities are determined by them, for their communities, in partnership with the provincial government,” Smith-Martin said.

It took courage and vision to develop a strong government-to-government relationship with the Province. “MaPP demonstrates that new partnerships help us as we move towards a conservation-based coastal economy,” she said, adding that by working together on this world-leading initiative, we are advancing reconciliation.

“It’s exciting to see the progress we have made as we identify and address marine related issues with creative and positive solutions. We are so inspired and hopeful for the future,” Smith-Martin said.

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For more information:
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.