In the News
CHEK News · January 2026
New Season of Ocean Warriors Spotlights Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary
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The acclaimed documentary series Ocean Warriors: Mission Ready returns with a new season that shines a spotlight on the vital search and rescue work of the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CN-CGA) along British Columbia’s rugged coast. The 13-episode season highlights the bravery, skill, and commitment of CN-CGA members as they serve coastal communities and respond to emergencies in remote waters.
​Hakai Magazine · December 24, 2024
The First First Responders: Indigenous Rescuers on
BC’s Coast
Hakai Magazine’s in-depth feature The First First Responders explores how Indigenous rescuers — including those involved with the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CN-CGA) and related coastal search and rescue programs — have long been the first on the scene when maritime emergencies occur along British Columbia’s rugged coast. The article highlights the historical involvement of coastal Nations in lifesaving, the development of formal training and partnerships under Canada’s Indigenous Community Response Training initiatives, and the growing recognition of community-based search and rescue capacity.
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November 30, 2025
PFD Loaner Station Signage Distributed to Coastal Nations
The Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CN-CGA) is distributing Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Loaner Station signage to participating Nations and coastal communities to support public marine safety and drowning prevention efforts.
These signs are intended for placement at docks, marinas, beaches, and high-use waterfront access points to encourage lifejacket use and raise awareness of PFD availability. The initiative supports community-led safety education and aligns with CN-CGA’s commitment to preventative marine safety across coastal and remote waters.
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Nations receiving signage are encouraged to install signs in visible locations and incorporate PFD loaner stations into local safety messaging and outreach efforts. CN-CGA remains available to support placement guidance and ongoing marine safety education.
Indigenous Watchdog · July 15, 2024
B.C.’s Vital Indigenous-Led Auxiliary Is Expanding
​Indigenous Watchdog highlights the ongoing growth and impact of the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CN-CGA), British Columbia’s first formal Indigenous-led marine auxiliary. Established in 2018 to strengthen community-based search and rescue capacity, CN-CGA continues expanding its operations, training, and partnerships to serve remote coastal waters. The article highlights multi-agency exercises and the important role CN-CGA volunteers play in enhancing marine safety across the coast.
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Maritime Magazine · November 19, 2020
Canada’s First Indigenous-Led Coast Guard Auxiliary Begins Operations in British Columbia
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The Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CN-CGA) began on-water operations in the fall of 2020 in the traditional waters of the Ahousaht and Heiltsuk First Nations, marking the start of Canada’s first Indigenous-led Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. The all-First Nations volunteer organization — now growing across coastal British Columbia — is trained to respond to marine search and rescue emergencies, support water safety, and conduct coastal patrols in collaboration with the Canadian Coast Guard and partner agencies.
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Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper · November 25, 2020
Ahousaht Members Part of Historic Initiative
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Members of the Ahousaht First Nation are actively involved in the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CN-CGA), Canada’s first Indigenous-led Coast Guard auxiliary, formed under the federal Oceans Protection Plan to enhance marine safety and environmental protection.
The article highlights the role of Ahousaht volunteers and CN-CGA’s expanding operations, including recent patrols in Ahousaht and Heiltsuk waters despite pandemic challenges. CN-CGA members bring deep maritime experience and are on call around the clock to respond to marine emergencies across coastal British Columbia.
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