In a ceremony today in Vancouver, Gitxaala Nation’s Chief Councilor Linda Innes and Deputy Chief Bruce Innes, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and leaders from the Provincial, Federal, and coastal Indigenous Nations celebrated the signing of the closing agreement for the “Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence”.
This agreement is an important step in the Nation’s continued work in the Great Bear Sea Marine Protected Area Network. The agreement, summarized in the attached declaration, will support our staff and community by providing the resources needed to ensure our planning, monitoring, and community development align with the goals and direction of the Nation.
This agreement provides long-term funding for community development, marine planning and conservation, research, and monitoring. It also commits the Province of BC and the Federal Government to protections and conservation targets that will be collaboratively developed and governed by Gitxaala adaawx, ayaawx, gugwilx’ya’ansk.
For Gitxaala Nation the signing of this agreement is an important step in the continual work to protect and manage the lands, waters, and resources in Laxyuubm Gitxaała.
For more information, please see the following links:
- The Marine Protected Area Network: https://mpanetwork.ca/
- The Great Bear Sea Initiative: https://ourgreatbearsea.ca/
- Statement from the Prime Minster: https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2024/06/25/protecting-more-our-marine-ecosystems-together-future-generations
Great Bear Sea Declaration
