Sheshatshiu and Natuashish, NL, – As part of the third year of the Oceans Protection Program launched in 2017, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honorable Bernadette Jordan, announced the award of $ 461,298 to the Innu First Nation communities of Sheshatshiu and Natuashish, each to acquire a search and rescue boat, as well as related equipment.
Through new equipment and training, Auxiliary members are better equipped and prepared to respond to marine emergencies, helping to enhance the safety of their communities and the surrounding waters and coasts.
The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary is a national non-profit organization of 4,000 volunteer members with access to 1,100 vessels that boost the Government of Canada’s maritime search and rescue response capacity. The Canadian Coast Guard funds the Auxiliary through a contribution program totaling $7.7 million each year. The Auxiliary responds to approximately 25 per cent of maritime calls for assistance each year, providing an often life saving service.
The $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways. This national plan is creating a stronger marine safety system that provides 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.
“This is a welcomed investment for Indigenous coastal communities in Labrador. With access to important search and rescue resources, these communities are now better equipped to help those in need“Innu Nation is pleased to partner with the Canada Coast Guard under the Community Boat Program to establish the Innu Coast Guard Auxiliary in Sheshatshiu and Natuashish. These new boats have been named for the late elders, Edward Piwas, a long-serving member of the Innu Nation’s board of directors, and Antuan Penashue, the first Innu Fishery Guardian from Sheshatshiu. Innu Nation members are now certified with marine environmental response and marine safety training, provided in partnership with the Canada Coast Guard. We look forward to continued collaboration with Canada to apply our tradition of “Nakuatenita”, Innu stewardship of the land and water, and to building Innu capacity and resources.”
Grand Chief Etienne Rich, Innu Nation
To learn more about the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary: https://ccga-gcac.ca
