“Great Bear Sea” Film: First Nations & British Columbia Partner on Marine Plans for BC’s North Pacific Coast

• Main Author: Anspacher-Meyer, Karen
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Western CEDAR 2016
• Subjects: Fresh Water Studies; Life Sciences; Marine Biology; Natural Resources and Conservation; Pacific; First Nations; Alaska
• Online Access: https://cedar.wwu.edu/ssec/2016ssec/engagement/9

The Great Bear Sea is a wild expanse of ocean where whales, wolves, bears and humans thrive in rich coastal ecosystems. The Great Bear Sea is also a place where worlds collide – a place full of historic conflicts and looming battles over ocean resources. Now 18 First Nations and the British Columbia government have crafted marine plans to ensure a healthy ocean, economy & communities on BC’s north coast. Meet the people and communities who are working to put the plans into action. In "The Great Bear Sea: Reflecting on the Past—Planning for the Future,” First Nations, marine stakeholders and the BC government tell the story of British Columbia’s marine plans. The film captures the shared vision and collaboration that were necessary to create four marine plans that cover a vast expanse of coastal and ocean ecosystems spanning from the Alaska border to Campbell River on Vancouver Island. It’s a story of inspiration and hope, showing how people representing a range of interests can work to achieve long term benefit for the good of all. Watch a 10-minute short from the film and hear insights from the film’s producer on proven strategies for engaging and influencing audiences with films. DVDs/digital files and screening toolkits will be available for free to participants. Green Fire films take complex science, cultural and marine conservation information and translate it through story to vastly increase the understanding and support for complicated topics like ocean planning. 85% of people surveyed after watching "The Great Bear Sea" express a better understanding about ocean planning, and 99% indicate support for British Columbia’s marine plans.