Hi Friends, 

In an era of increasing global uncertainty—where disruptions from climate extremes, economic shocks, and political instability are becoming more frequent—our ability to rely on local, regional, and regenerative economies has never been more critical. Cross-border tensions, shifting trade policies, and fragile supply chains reinforce what we’ve long known: resilient communities are built from the ground up.

For 30 years, Ecotrust Canada has been working alongside rural, remote, and Indigenous communities to develop place-based economies that amplify the power of people in place. Economies that provide for a healthy and resilient natural environment; sustainable and abundant energy, food, and housing; prosperous and meaningful livelihoods; vibrant cultures and inclusive societies.

Read about how our five programs—Community Fisheries, Climate Resilience, Food Systems, Indigenous Homelands, and Community Energy—are tackling challenges head-on this year.

But wait, there’s more! Keep scrolling. It’s so great to have you on this journey with us.

-Shannon Lough, Senior Manager of Communications and Engagement  

Two fishing boats on the North Coast of British Columbia. This year, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been hosting workshops in BC as the federal government prepares to make significant changes that will shape the future of our fisheries. Read more in our latest blog.

New and Noteworthy

In the Media

The looming threat of a U.S. tariff war is a wake-up call for Canadians to rethink how we create more resilient local economies and build community food security. One of the clearest opportunities? Fixing our broken seafood system. This article by The Vancouver Sun highlights our seafood system as one of many places to start.

Job Opportunities

Ecotrust Canada is hiring! We have two exciting opportunities to support our Indigenous-led fisheries monitoring programs. We’re seeking a Fisheries Monitoring Program Manager to lead program delivery, data collection, and strategic planning. Ideally, the candidate will live in Haida Gwaii—though applicants from other locations will also be considered. We also have an opening for Project Coordinator in Haida Gwaii. Ideal candidates are hands-on, detail-oriented, and passionate about sustainable fisheries. If you’re eager to work alongside First Nations partners and fishermen, visit our website.

30 Years of Proving the Possible 

A series of reflections from our past three decades of work.  

From 1998-2009

From 1998-2009, Ecotrust Canada tested a bold idea: could lending capital to mission-driven businesses help build local wealth, strengthen communities, and protect the environment? Through the Coastal Loan Fund, we extended 87 loans worth $10.7 million to entrepreneurs across rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. These investments unlocked an additional $40 million in capital and helped create approximately 900 jobs—proving that financial tools, when used with purpose, can drive lasting change.

Check out our lessons learned of the Fund’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact.

P.S. If you like this newsletter and want to support it, there are two ways you can do that.  

1) Forward this newsletter to a friend with an invitation to subscribe right here. 

2) Hit reply and let us know what you thought about our projects for 2025.

Proving the Possible

Ecotrust Canada works with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities toward building an economy that provides for a healthy and resilient natural environment; sustainable and abundant energy, food, and housing; prosperous and meaningful livelihoods; and vibrant cultures and inclusive societies. We call this approach, building an economy that provides for life. 

Thank you for your continued support!

The Ecotrust Canada Team