May 9, 2017 (Vancouver, BC) –  Paul Kariya, the Coastal First Nations (CFN) new Senior Policy Advisor, comes to the position with a wealth of knowledge and experience in public policy in key topical subjects such as fish and fisheries management, clean and  renewable energy development, and leadership and reconciliation.

CFN chair Patrick Kelly said Paul’s skills, knowledge and talent are well suited to join our management team as we continue our work towards a sustainable coastal economy.  “Protecting our marine and terrestrial environments is a means upon which we want to build wealth today and for the long term future.”

Kariya is no stranger to the North and Central Coasts and Haida Gwaii.   He comes from a commercial fishing family and during the early part of his career he spent time in the communities and more recently on topics which are important to CFN such as reconciliation, climate change, natural resources management and economic development.

To be joining CFN at a time when the organization is engaged in reconciliation discussions with the federal government is very exciting, Kariya said. “It’s an exciting time to be representing CFN communities as we take the next step in defining reconciliation.”

Prior to joining CFN, Kariya was the Executive Director of Clean Energy BC and before that he was Executive Director of Pacific Salmon Foundation and a Professor at Trinity Western University.  Kariya has worked in the public sector both federally and provincially.  He was CEO of the provincial crown corporation, Fisheries Renewal BC and Executive Director of the BC Treaty Commission.  Paul holds a BA (Hon) from UBC and a MA and PhD from Clark University in Massachusetts.  Paul serves on several community boards and is a Trudeau Foundation Mentor and has represented Canada as a Commissioner on the Pacific Salmon Commission.

The Coastal First Nations are an alliance of First Nations that includes the Wuikinuxv Nation, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xaixais, Nuxalk, Gitga’at, Metlakatla, Old Massett, Skidegate, and Council of the Haida Nation who work together to create a sustainable economy on British Columbia’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii.

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For more information, contact:

Patrick Kelly

Board Chair, Coastal First Nations

(250)589-4084

Paul Kariya

Cell: (604) 818-1827