Rodrigo Samayoa

Coastal First Nations - Great Bear Initiative

The Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative is an alliance of nine First Nations along BC's North and Central Coasts and Haida Gwaii. They include the Council of the Haida Nation, Skidegate, Old Massett, Metlakatla, Heiltsuk, Nuxalk, Gitga'at, Kitasoo/Xai'xais, and Wuikinuxv First Nations. Although each Nation has its own distinct territory, governance and culture, our territories are all found within the Great Bear Rainforest—one of the largest temperate coastal rainforest systems on Earth. After decades of industrial logging and over-fishing, we collectively vowed to create a new conservation-based economy in our territories. We promote community self-sufficiency and a sustainable approach to economic development that recognizes our Title and Rights and protects our culture and ecosystems.