GWAII TRUST BUSINESS PLAN

People are like trees, and groups of people are like the forests.
While the forests are composed of many different kinds of trees,
these trees intertwine their roots so strongly that it is impossible for
the strongest winds which blow on our islands to uproot the forest,
for each tree strengthens its neighbour,
and their roots are inextricably intertwined.

In the same way the people of our Islands,
composed of members of nations and races from all over the world, are beginning to intertwine their roots so strongly that no troubles will affect them.

Just as one tree standing alone would soon be destroyed by the first strong wind which came along, so it is impossible for any person, any family, or any community to stand alone against the troubles of this world.

Chief Skidegate - Lewis Collinson
March 1966

Introduction
To ensure a sustainable “Islands community” we must plan and manage our own development in ways that reflect our cultural and environmental uniqueness. The Gwaii Trust offers us an opportunity to pursue fundamental economic and social transition. The lack of some of the most basic community infrastructure demands immediate attention. The pursuit of a sustainable community requires us to address and implement responsible stewardship. The Gwaii Trust offers us an opportunity not readily available to the rest of the world. As individuals we may choose to act together for the common good of our “Islands community.” Quality of life is an essential issue. As we make the “Islands community” a better place to live in, we make it a more desirable place to visit and to conduct business.
Gwaii Trust Society
History - Where it all Began In 1985, the political standoff at Lyell Island brought worldwide attention to the Gwaii Hanaas issues of the land title dispute, the environment and economic matters. In 1987, the Haida Nation desig-nated the area a Haida Heritage Site. In 1988, Canada designated the area a National Park Reserve. Representatives of the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) and the Residents Planning Advisory Committee (RPAC) established an Accord on a Community Development Fund. In spite of legislative hostilities and other societal encumbrances to cross-cultural understanding, and after years of difficult work, the results evolved into the Gwaii Trust Interim Planning Society (GTIPS). The GTIPS was established in accordance with the Society Act of British Columbia in November 1991. Its purpose was to develop a permanent model for a locally controlled, interest-generating fund. The Gwaii Trust Society would be founded on the principles of achieving a sustainable “Islands community”. The Gwaii Trust Society was formed in September 1994 to operate the perpetual Trust Fund, and the GTIPS was dissolved as a society.
Gwaii Trust Road Map In November 1998, the Gwaii Trust Board completed its first road map, as described in this section, and it is followed by the 2001 – 2005 Business Plan.
Mission Statement The Gwaii Trust will enhance environmentally sustainable social and economic benefits to Haida Gwaii /Queen Charlotte Islands through the use of the Fund. The Gwaii Trust Society shall operate in a manner consistent with its constitution, and strive to reach the general objectives as developed by the “Island Community.” The general objectives of the society are located in Part 2 of the Gwaii Trust Constitution under “purposes of the Society.”
Vision The Gwaii Trust will advocate and support an Islands community characterized by respect for cul-tural diversity, the environment, and a sustainable and increasingly self-sufficient economy.

Values and Beliefs The Gwaii Trust Society values and believes in:
•	fairness and equity,
•	effective communication,
•	willingness to change,
•	building and demonstrating trust,
•	an holistic approach to a healthy Islands community,
•	consensus decision-making,
•	a Trust Fund in perpetuity,
•	credibility, and
•	collaborative problem solving.
Principles In delivering its business plan, the Gwaii Trust Society will:
•	follow the constitution and bylaws,
•	communicate effectively with Island communities,
•	provide effective guidance to communities on proposal preparation,
•	maintain a strong financial management plan that respects its investment policy and is reviewed on a regular basis,
•	encourage all Islands participation in the Gwaii Trust and its programs,
•	set consistent criteria for each program,
•	be guided by principles of fairness and equity,
•	emphasize programs that will lead to the vision of an Islands community,
•	follow policies and criteria developed by the Board of Directors,
•	listen to and consider public input,
•	not replace or duplicate existing government programs,
•	encourage partnering with existing programs or agencies to maximize benefit to the Islands communities,
•	continue to refine its programs and operations, and
•	attempt to maximize the available funding.
Legal Status The Gwaii Trust Society is registered as a non-profit Society to maximize tax exemption for the Trust. In addition, the Gwaii Trust Society will research the possibility of becoming designated as a “charitable status” organization. The activities of the Gwaii Trust shall be subject to the Constitution and Bylaws.

Gwaii Trust Business Plan

Message from Chief Skidegate

Introduction

Gwaii Trust Society

Introduction

Gwaii Trust Society

	Message from Chief Skidegate
	Introduction
	Gwaii Trust Society
		History Gwaii Trust Road Map Mission Statement Vision Values and Beliefs Principles Legal Status