Coastal First Nations Refutes ‘Disinformation’ Claims by B.C. Conservative Leadership Candidate

Coastal First Nations President Marilyn Slett has strongly rejected assertions made by B.C. Conservative leadership candidate Yuri Fulmer that the alliance is “just an advocacy organization,” characterizing his statements as “disinformation.”

“We’re a coalition, an alliance of communities that have very ancient and old relations amongst each other, that ties us together,” said Slett, who also serves as chief of the Heiltsuk Nation. The alliance represents nine First Nations communities across British Columbia’s north coast region.

The controversy stems from a video released by Fulmer in which he questions the legitimacy of the Coastal First Nations organization. The video begins by criticizing foreign financial influence in provincial politics, juxtaposing images of Canadian flag-burning and pro-Palestinian protests in Vancouver alongside speeches by Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, elected president of the Haida Nation and a Coastal First Nations board member.

“Time and again, we keep hearing that Coastal First Nations are opposed to any pipeline and will stop any development,” Fulmer states in the video. “But here is the thing: the Coastal First Nations is just a name, like Coke or Nike.”

Fulmer further claims the organization, officially registered as the “Great Bear Initiative Society,” operates as a political advocacy group funded by “left-wing American and international foundations.”

While the Coastal First Nations (CFN) acknowledges its status as a registered non-profit that receives some foreign donations, Slett emphasized that the organization’s board—comprised of elected and hereditary leaders from the nine coastal communities—maintains full decision-making authority.

“There is no funder, whether it’s government, philanthropic, or corporate, that directs our position or activity,” Slett told Black Press Media. “CFN takes direction only from the leadership of its member nations.”

The organization also disputes Fulmer’s characterization that they oppose all development and oil pipelines. According to Slett, their advocacy specifically targets heavy oil tanker traffic in their nations’ waters—an activity banned since 2019 under federal law. This issue has resurfaced recently amid Alberta’s push for a new oil pipeline to the North Coast.

Slett warned that such “misinformation” carries real consequences for CFN members, noting she has personally experienced online harassment through direct messages and emails. There have also been attempts to dox individuals working for the organization.

When contacted by Black Press Media, Fulmer defended his statements, claiming the common link between the Coastal First Nations and other protesters shown in his video is foreign funding, which he seeks to ban for organizations engaged in political activities.

Ironically, Fulmer’s own Vancouver-based investment firm has contributed to Coastal First Nations initiatives. Fulmer & Company, which operates nearly three dozen A&W franchises in western Canada, previously donated to the organization’s Great Bear Rainforest Carbon Project—a decision Fulmer stands by.

“As a company, we believe in conservation,” he explained. “We are a British Columbian company, not a foreign company, a British Columbian company, and we invested in a conservation project we believe in.”

When questioned whether Coastal First Nations should be engaged on a government-to-government basis—Prime Minister Mark Carney and federal officials recently met with the organization’s leadership—Fulmer redirected the conversation to his concerns about foreign donors.

“I don’t think that’s what we’re talking about here,” he said. “If our government takes money from foreign organizations, that should be disclosed too. It doesn’t matter.”

The Coastal First Nations remains deeply concerned about how their organization is being characterized and has called for Fulmer to apologize.

“Spreading this type of disinformation sows division between First Nations and other British Columbians and serves to further inflame existing tensions,” Slett stated. “In a time of heightened political conflict across the continent, this is irresponsible and dangerous and could result in real harm to our communities.”