Victoria, British Columbia - The Government of Canada and the Quatsino and Kitasoo Xai'xais First Nations are pleased to announce the arrival and launch of two new dedicated response vessels under the Canadian Coast Guard's Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Pilot Program. The Quatsino and Kitasoo Xai'xais First Nations are members of the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary, and work and train with the Canadian Coast Guard, providing marine response within their respective traditional territories.
Under the Oceans Protection Plan, the Canadian Coast Guard's Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Pilot Program provides communities with funding to purchase boats that are built for their specific needs and marine environment. To date, 35 Indigenous coastal communities across the country have received over $10 million in total funding to purchase or repair boats and related equipment.
Coastal British Columbia Nations have a long history of responding to marine emergencies and hold extensive traditional knowledge of the local waters and conditions in their traditional territories. The Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary is Canada's first all-Indigenous Coast Guard Auxiliary, with more than 50 members from Ahousaht, Heiltsuk, Gitxaala, Nisga'a, Kitasoo Xai'xais, Quatsino and Kyuquot/Cheklesahht First Nations.
The Quatsino First Nation's new response vessel, the Quatsino Spirit, is a 27-foot vessel capable of cruising at 44.5 knots. The new vessel is already in service, with members of the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary from the Quatsino First Nation participating in two recent search and rescue training exercises with the Canadian Coast Guard on the CCGS John P. Tully.
The Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation will support search and rescue in the waters around the Great Bear Rainforest in their new response vessel, the Ksm Wutsi'in (Mousewoman), a 30-foot vessel capable of cruising at 25 knots.
The $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada's coasts and waterways. This national plan is strengthening Canada's world-leading marine safety system, providing economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coastlines and clean water for generations to come. This work is being done in close collaboration with Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities.
