We are Coastal First Nations, saving lives at sea
Mission Ready
The Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (W) Inc. (CN-CGA) was incorporated in mid 2018 under the sponsorship of the Federal Government, for the purpose of providing organized voluntary maritime Search & Rescue (SAR) in coastal areas of British Columbia (BC). The CN-CGA in addition to SAR, promotes water safety and conducts coastal safety patrols in an Auxiliary support role to the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).
We are Canadas first Indigenous led Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGA) with a purpose to protect both mariners and citizens through the forging of strong and lasting partnerships between maritime First Nations (FN) and the (CCG).
The organization is governed and supported by a FN’s Board, bylaws and a contribution agreement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (FOC). As a not for profit organization, the CN-CGA is also obligated to follow the Society’s Act and relevant government laws in British Columbia. The CN-CGA is committed to working in partnership with FOC, CCG, CCG-A and FN’s to provide effective marine SAR services for people in distress throughout BC’s coastline region.
Future membership will be based on building relationships, historic SAR needs, statistical SAR activity, identified vulnerable areas and local capacity to support SAR units.
This new relationship between FN’s and the CCG in BC is based on knowledge sharing and in the spirit of true collaboration. This year and into next will set the stage for future strategic direction by engaging with FN communities along coastal BC regarding their needs and priorities.
Mission
To ensure effective marine search and rescue services for people in distress throughout BC’s coastal region.
Vision
To enhance Canada’s search and rescue program by building strong partnerships with First Nations communities throughout BC’s coastline region by leading stewardship of SAR training and equipment readiness, forging response collaboration, both amongst ourselves, and with our mission partners.
The CN-CGA (W)’s Values are
- Celebrate the courage, dedication, and humanity of our First Nations volunteer Marine Auxiliary
- Seek the highest standards of professionalism, accountability & transparency
- Sustain our voluntary fellowship towards membership with other First Nations and integration within those First Nations
- Maintain our independence as Indigenous Marine Search & Rescue volunteers
- Gain the awareness and trust of the marine community
- Encourage open and honest communications at all levels to promote collaboration with all SAR partners