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The Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CN-CGA), a First Nations–led marine search and rescue organization, brought together volunteers and board members from 11 coastal Nations this July for a three-day intensive training event designed to strengthen operational skills, leadership capacity, and mental wellness within the organization.
CN-CGA serves the territories of Ahousaht, Gitxaala, Haida, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ and Che:k’tles7et’h’ (KCFN), ’Namgis, Nisga’a, Nuxalk, Quatsino, and Wuikinuxv, responding to marine emergencies across large and remote regions of British Columbia’s coastline. Crews operate in some of the most challenging waters in the country, relying on local knowledge, community leadership, and culturally grounded practices to keep mariners safe.
This year's SAR training was held at Pearson College UWC in ṮEḴTEḴSEN (Pedder Bay), offering dormitory accommodations, classroom space, and direct ocean access. Each Nation sent two crew members and one board representative, ensuring balanced participation and representation.
Board Members Join Frontline Training
A defining feature of the 2025 gathering was the direct participation of CN-CGA’s Board of Directors in both skills stations and full-scale training scenarios. Board members acted as casualties, bystanders, and support roles, immersing themselves in the conditions crews face during real rescues.
Their active involvement deepened their understanding of unit needs, operational pressures, and the realities of SAR work — strengthening alignment between governance decisions and frontline operations.
Three Days of SAR Training
The program was designed and led by Alex Baildham, CN-CGA Manager of Operations & Training, who coordinated a structured, realistic, and Nation-driven training environment.
Day 1 – Skill Stations
Participants rotated through a series of SAR skill-building modules designed to be repeated at the unit level. These modules help strengthen leadership within each Nation and build confidence to run home-based training.
Day 2 – Four Full-Scale Scenarios
Crews rotated through four major on-water exercises:
- Shoreline Approaches – safe navigation near land in dynamic conditions
- Tows – secure towing of disabled vessels
- Search and Rescue (SAR) – locating and recovering persons in the water/on shore
- Medical Assessments – stabilizing, assessing, and preparing patients for transport
These scenarios created realistic operational pressure and reinforced communication, teamwork, and safe tactical decision-making.
Partnerships Strengthening Safety on the Water
This year's SAR EX also included participation from RCMSAR and the Canadian Coast Guard’s Indigenous Community Response Training (ICRT) Team, who supported the skills stations and full-scale exercises.
“This year’s CN-CGA SAR EX was greatly strengthened by the involvement of RCMSAR and the Canadian Coast Guard’s Indigenous Community Response Training (ICRT) Team. Their partnership and support in our training courses and full-scale exercises help ensure our crews are prepared, confident, and ready to respond when our communities need us most. Our relationships continue to grow each year, and through this work we’ve become not only strong partners, but great friends.” — Dawn Wilson, CEO, Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary
Mental Wellness & Debrief Culture
A comprehensive Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) workshop was also held, underscoring CN-CGA’s commitment to volunteer wellness. Additionally, structured debriefs followed every exercise, reinforcing that lessons learned are foundational to safe and effective SAR operations.
Stronger Together Across Nations
Beyond the formal training, much of the relationship-building happened informally — in the Pearson College cafeteria, between exercises, and during downtime. These conversations, meals, and shared experiences deepen trust between Nations and strengthen the network that supports SAR across the coast.
Ocean Warrior: Mission Ready Screening
Participants also viewed an advanced screening of an episode from Season 2 of Ocean Warrior: Mission Ready by Kwassen Productions. The season will air on APTN in January 2026, with filming for Season 3 beginning in the spring.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 CN-CGA SAR gathering showcased the strength of Indigenous-led marine safety and the power of Nation-to-Nation collaboration. Crews returned home with strengthened skills, renewed confidence, and deeper relationships — better prepared to protect mariners throughout their traditional waters.
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