News release

RCMP and First Watch Gear partner with Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary to provide essential safety gear donation

March 28, 2025 - Island District, British Columbia
From: British Columbia RCMP

Content

The Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CN-CGA) teams, serving communities across the British Columbia coast, are set to benefit from a generous donation of life-saving safety equipment. This donation will enhance the teams' ability to respond to emergencies and support community members and visitors in their traditional waters.

The CN-CGA teams operate in the Ahousaht, Gitxaala, Haida, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai'xais, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’, 'Namgis, Nisga'a, Quatsino, and Wuikinuxv First Nations. This contribution will help ensure the safety of these volunteer teams and the communities they serve while also providing critical support in marine search and rescue operations.

The collaboration began in early March 2025 when the RCMP’s National Marine Advisor, a representative from First Watch Gear, and the Chief Executive Officer of CN-CGA met as part of the Canadian Safe Boating Council's Symposium committee. This productive conversation led to the donation of vital safety gear, including personal floating devices (PFDs) and float suits, which will be distributed to the volunteer teams working in these coastal communities.

"We are deeply grateful for this generous donation, which will directly support our volunteers and improve our ability to respond effectively in our communities", said Dawn Wilson, CEO of CN-CGA "This partnership reinforces our important work and highlights the value of collaboration in enhancing safety and support across the coast."

This donation is especially significant for an Indigenous-led non-profit like CN-CGA, which operates on a limited budget and is working toward charity status. Donations like these are rare, and this one comes at a crucial time, providing immediate support to volunteers and the communities they serve.

“We are extremely pleased to have played a role in this great initiative, helping support the services our Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary provides", said Cpl. Mike Reid, RCMP "E" Division Water Transport Coordinator. "We thank FirstWatch Gear for their generous donation of safety equipment which will continue to support each of the 8 Nations who continue to draw upon their history of sea-faring and providing safety at sea.”

Contacts

Cpl. Alex Bérubé
District Advisory NCO (Media Relations)
Island District
alex.berube@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
250-380-6110
bc.rcmp.ca
@bcrcmp
bcrcmpnews
@bcrcmp
rcmptv