On March 5, the Gwaii Trust Society announced 13 funding recipients from its latest call for proposals, with a total of $420,288 being provided to organizations throughout the islands.
The grants come in two different categories, the major contributions program and the community innovation program, with more than $399,000 going toward major programs.
The Village of Port Clements and the Village of Masset were recipients of the two largest grants, each receiving $100,000 from the trust. The money will go toward the creation of a barge facility in Port Clements, while the money for Masset will be used for the parking lot of the municipal airport.
Old Massett Village Council will be receiving $54,500 for roof repairs at T'aalan Stl'ang Cultural Camp and the Haida Health Hun at the Skidegate Health Centre will be receiving $40,000 for a community wellness plan. Both the Village of Queen Charlotte and the Secretariat of the Haida Nation will be receiving $30,000, — the Secretariat will be using the money for an Old Massett office and the Village of Queen Charlotte's money will be used for a bypass trail in the community.
In Sandspit, GwaiiTrust is providing $21,303 to the volunteer fire department for capital maintenance. The Queen Charlotte volunteer fire department will also receive funding from Gwaii Trust totalling $6,100 for four sets of bunker gear.
The final funding under the major contributions program will go to the Laskeek Bay Conservation Society, which will receive $3,570 for Project Limestone Camp.
Under the umbrella of the community innovation program, three groups split $20,255 in funding.
The largest grant in this category went to the Secretariat of the Haida Nation, which will be receiving $10,000 for a sound system. Receiving almost the same amount are the Hecate Strait Streamkeepers, which will receive $9,955 for relocation of a salmon hatchery.
The final recipient of funding is Agnes L. Masters School, which will receive $300 for the purchase of 20 booster seats.
Gwaii Trust has been providing funds to communities on Haida Gwaii since 1996