Message from the Chair and COO

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Sii.ngaay’láa Greetings

To the community of Haida Gwaii, it is an honour to share with you the achievements of the Gwaii Trust Society in 2020. Our resilience continues to demonstrate our ability to come together as one in times of need. The State of Emergency declared in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic was a testament to what matters most to all of us as an islands’ people. Communities and individuals acted quickly, working collaboratively to protect the health of our elders and those most at risk. However, with restrictions and a travel ban in place, the social and economic impacts were immeasurable. Recognizing our struggle, the Gwaii Trust Society, its Board of Directors and staff helped play significant role in supporting the health and well-being of the citizens of Haida Gwaii. In response to this hardship, a move was made to reallocate funding streams to address the immediate needs of our communities. With emergency funding made available through our COVID-19 Emergency Response Grant, the Board struck a committee to work closely with staff to manage and oversee applications. With additional support from our partners at the Vancouver Foundation and Community Foundations Canada (see page 18), the Trust invested over $1M in COVID-19 relief to help our communities through these tough times. Nevertheless, having faced similar adversity, the Gwaii Trust’s ability to navigate through market volatility over the years while continuing to invest in our communities is one of our greatest successes. It is our hope, in working with local leadership, to continue to play a role in helping to improve the lives of people living on Haida Gwaii by investing in our local economy. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we wish everyone a safe and healthy 2021.

Haawa thank you Sk’aal Ts’iid Flicker Bird James D. Cowpar Chairman

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

2020 was a year of adaptation for Gwaii Trust Society (GTS), as it was for all organizations and people of Haida Gwaii. First, I want to recognize the trials, the grief, and the challenges that so many have gone through during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficulties, I look back at the work GTS has done this year with pride and gratitude. Thanks to the hard work of our board members and staff, this organization was able to fulfill its role in helping our island communities thrive. We provided funding that impacted many residents in a time of dire need. In addition to our continuing grant programs, there were two grants developed by the board in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (see pages 18-19). With an $875,000 budget the COVID-19 Emergency Response Grant provided support to individuals and communities as they adapted to these unprecedented times. The popular Staycation Grant became widely recognized in Haida Gwaii and beyond as an innovative effort to aid our ailing tourism economy. Some people were able to participate in the grant process for the first time and enjoy much-needed getaways while supporting local businesses. 2020 was the conclusion of GTS’ four-year Vibrant Communities Grant, highlighted on page 20. Each of the seven Gwaii Trust communities were provided with flexible, guaranteed funding of $250,000 per year for a total funding commitment of $7 million. This funding allowed local governments to leverage other sources of funding to complete infrastructure projects in each community on Haida Gwaii. Gwaii Trust Society would not have been able to maintain its active role and its ability to respond to community needs without our courageous Board of Directors. Our Board maintained a strong sense of purpose and continued its work without missing a step, seamlessly shifting to virtual meetings when restrictions on gatherings began. GTS enters 2021 with its fund in a strong position thanks to sound fiscal management and a diversified portfolio. Despite 2020’s economic turmoil and an initial decline that culminated in March, the fund was able to regain lost value and earn an overall increase to a total value of $90.3 million by the end of the year. GTS also anticipates that legislation amalgamating Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust and Gwaii Trust may be completed in 2021. This will allow Haida Gwaii communities to benefit from an additional fund of approximately $54 million. Public consultation on the use of these funds will begin once the legislation has passed. No matter what 2021 may bring, our team at Gwaii Trust Society are here for you, the residents of Haida Gwaii. We continue to strive to improve island life by using our shared resources to benefit all islanders.

Haawa thank you Carla Lutner Chief Operations Officer