B.C. First Nations partner with coast guard to launch 2 new marine response vessels
![Quatsino Spirit The Quatsino First Nation’s response vessel, the Quatsino Spirit, is pictured. (Canadian Coast Guard / Facebook)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2022/2/14/quatsino-spirit-1-5780819-1652289797913.jpg)
Two coastal B.C. First Nations have partnered with the Canadian Coast Guard to launch two marine rescue vessels through the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CN-CGA).
The Quatsino First Nation on northern Vancouver Island and the Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation, on Swindle Island, will work and train with the Canadian Coast guard to provide marine rescue response within their traditional territories.
The Quatsino First Nation’s new response vessel, the Quatsino Spirit, measures 8.2 metres (27 feet) long and can travel at 44.5 knots.
The vessel is already in service, and has been used in two search and rescue training exercises with the Canadian Coast Guard.
Meanwhile, the Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation's new emergency vessel, the Ksm Wutsi'in (Mousewoman), measures 9.1 metres long (30 feet) and has a cruising speed of 25 knots.
The Ksm Wutsi'in will operate in the Great Bear Rainforest area, according to the Coast Guard.
"Indigenous communities like Quatsino First Nation and Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation are often first on scene in a marine emergency," said Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
"Funding for these community response vessels is one way our government is helping making the coast of British Columbia safer," she said.
The Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary is staffed entirely by Indigenous peoples, with more than 50 members from seven First Nations.
Last year, the Ahousaht First Nation on Vancouver Island launched its own $214,000 emergency response vessel funded through the federal government for the CN-CGA.
All CN-CGA volunteers practice with the Canadian Coast Guard and are trained in cold water rescue, marine first aid, search techniques, emergency communications protocols, and the use of specialized rescue equipment.
The volunteers are on call around the clock in some of the most remote regions of British Columba.
"As coastal Indigenous people, Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation have been responding to mariners in distress for thousands of years, whether those in need of rescue come from our Nations, or are guests to our waters," said Doug Fraser, Kitasoo Xai'xais First Nations CN-CGA board director.
"Having a dedicated search and rescue vessel will potentially help rescue more people and protect the lives of rescuers."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978649.1722015109!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump's near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president's ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former president's injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.