Strategic planning processes have identified numerous ecological and social questions that will require increased research in the region.
The Central Coast of BC is home to the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world. Dubbed The Great Bear Rainforest because of the iconic spirit bear, the area also boasts healthy populations of cougars, orca whales, grizzly bears, wolves, salmon, and 1,000 year old red cedars. It is no wonder then that the region has attracted the interest of some of the best scientists and most prominent environmental non-government organizations in the world. Recently, The Hakai Institute was open to harness the interests of all parties to “seek a creative synthesis between science and the traditional knowledge of the people of the Central Coast.” Central Coast First Nations are working with external researchers to ensure their scientific objectives align with First Nations’ interests and that we play a key role in defining research priorities.
CCIRA has developed a Science Coordinator position to work with our communities to develop science programs and train community staff on research techniques. The Science Coordinator will coordinate science at the central coast level in order to create efficiencies and ensure study results are comparable between Nations and with academic and government institutions.