Indigenous-led Engagements Begin on New Vision for Island Coastal Economic Trust
Since 2022, local governments across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast have committed to partnering with First Nations governments and the Province of British Columbia to transform Island Coastal Economic Trust into the first permanently financed, co-governed regional development organization in Canada.
The District of Ucluelet is inspired to see the board of Island Coastal Economic Trust working in partnership with Sanala Planning, an Indigenous-owned planning company, to begin engagements with First Nations across Vancouver Island and the surrounding coast about the future of the region’s Trust. Since 2022, local governments, First Nations, and regional organizations across the coast have committed to working in partnership to transform the Trust into a model of co-governance and shared decision-making.
“ICET has an exceptional track record of building healthy, resilient and more sustainable communities” says Ucluelet Mayor Marilyn McEwen. “In addition to providing funding for local projects, the diversity of perspectives and the progressive vision ICET’s members bring to the table is without a doubt, one of their greatest strengths”.
“As we move forward, investing to build a resilient coastal economy, we believe in the power of collaboration among First Nations and local governments to invest in each other and to govern the Trust through shared decision-making,” said Sayaač̓atḥ John Jack, Vice Chair, Island Coastal Economic Trust; Chief Councillor, Huu-ay-aht First Nations; Chair, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District.
Read full press release here: "Indigenous-led Engagements Begin on New Vision for Island Coastal Economic Trust"