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Say hello to Raine Playfair, Manager of Stewardship Funding at Coast Funds (one of our amazing nonprofit clients)! Raine learned pretty early in life that she enjoys tackling complex problems and wants to contribute to social wellbeing. She has been working at Coast Funds for just over 3 years, where she’s able to blend her passion for community building with local stewardship and conservation.
Coast Funds supports First Nations in achieving their goals for sustainable economic development and conservation management in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii. Its small team serves 27 First Nations, so they’re busy! Raine’s day could include anything from supporting the development of long-term plans and budgets for First Nations stewardship activities, to strategizing ways to secure sustainable finance for stewardship, to chatting about this year’s Oolichan run, to administering funding for projects, to changing the toner in the printer (someone’s gotta do it). It’s an interesting and important time of shifting lands and resource management responsibilities, and Raine is humbled to be in a position to support First Nations’ sovereignty and their visions for the future.
The best advice that Raine has been given is “choose who you want to be, and be it”, and we’re thrilled to see her embody this quote as she collaborates with First Nations to support positive change in coastal communities. We’re excited to see the wonderful outcomes First Nations are creating with financing through Coast Funds! If you want to learn more about Coast Funds, please visit coastfunds.ca.
FAQ
What does Coast Funds do for First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii?
Coast Funds provides long-term funding that helps First Nations lead stewardship, conservation, and sustainable economic development in their communities. Instead of one-time projects, Coast Funds supports long-term planning, capacity building, and community-driven priorities—ensuring First Nations maintain control over how funding is used.
How does stewardship funding support conservation and local communities?
Stewardship funding strengthens on-the-ground conservation activities while creating jobs, training, and local capacity. For many Nations, this includes monitoring wildlife and habitats, protecting cultural sites, conducting research, responding to climate impacts, and supporting guardianship programs. The funding supports environmental protection and community wellbeing at the same time.
Why is sustainable finance important for First Nations stewardship?
Sustainable finance ensures First Nations are not dependent on short-term or unreliable funding sources. Long-term and stable investment allows Nations to plan ahead, retain staff, invest in technology, and run stewardship programs that protect lands and waters for future generations.
How do First Nations decide which stewardship projects get funded?
Stewardship priorities come directly from the Nations themselves. Coast Funds works collaboratively with leadership, stewardship offices, guardians, and program experts to review goals, timelines, budgets, and community outcomes. Funding decisions are rooted in sovereignty, cultural knowledge, and each Nation’s vision for the future.
How does Coast Funds measure the impact of stewardship programs?
Impact is measured through ecological, cultural, and community outcomes. This includes restored habitat, species protection, strengthened governance, training and employment, and the transfer of stewardship responsibilities back to First Nations. Many Nations publish impact stories and reports so communities and partners can see the results.