Working Together on Nation-led Priorities

In late February, CCIRA hosted our Winter Gathering at Tigh-Na-Mara, in Parksville, BC, on Vancouver Island.

With 50 participants from Central Coast Nations and the CCIRA team gathered in one place over three days, the gathering provided an incredible opportunity to reconnect, build relationships and discuss the direction of Nation-led marine stewardship work. This was the first time CCIRA has hosted a gathering of this size, bringing together leadership and stewardship teams from across our Nations.

The gathering marked the first step in a broader strategic planning process aimed at prioritizing CCIRA’s technical work and focusing our collective expertise moving forward. This process will continue over the coming year, with the goal of ensuring Nation-directed priorities continue to guide CCIRA’s work over the next five years and beyond.

Alongside discussions about future priorities, the gathering was also a chance to pause, reflect on, and celebrate what we have achieved together so far (download the 2024-25 CCIRA Annual Report for more on that). Together, we shared lessons learned and experiences from marine planning and stewardship initiatives across the Central Coast and discussed opportunities to strengthen coordination going forward. The conversations were deep and meaningful and truly set the table for all the work ahead.

The gathering brought together CCIRA Board members and technical staff, elected Chief Councillors and council members, Hereditary Chiefs, as well as Stewardship Directors and technical staff from each of the Nations.

While much of the time focused on planning and discussion, we created intentional space for relationship building and cultural connection. We played basketball, shared songs, drummed and danced, gathered over good food, and could partake in brushings and cleansings.

The cultural connection, time together to know each other more deeply, and focused work made for a wonderful event.

We extend our thanks to the incredible leaders and stewardship teams from each of our Nations for their time, guidance and contributions and the many contributions from everyone who participated.

Stay tuned for more as we incorporate learnings from the gathering into our ongoing strategic planning efforts. See some of the highlights of the gathering below!

All photos: Dirk Heydemann, HA Photography.