Coastal First Nations are navigating increasing pressures from climate change, marine traffic, and emerging ocean industries, alongside the erosion of cultural memory tied to place. Decisions still often happen with fragmented information, unclear engagement pathways, and inconsistent expectations for how partners should approach Nations. Tidelines responds to that gap.

Tidelines is a Nation-governed network and platform that brings two outcomes together. It is a home for biocultural knowledge, where ecology and culture sit together: species and habitats alongside place names, stories, responsibilities, and Nation governance protocols. It is also a clear engagement pathway, a predictable way for researchers, governments, and industry to engage earlier, on Nation terms, with the right context and accountability that includes returning results. Participating Nations share only what they choose. Consent, permissions, and governance are built in from the start, and the platform does not centralise control outside participating communities.

Rather than design the platform in the abstract, the initiative is running three community pilot programs that deliver real outcomes while generating the practical learning needed to build it right. Coastal Voices documents marine cultural heritage knowledge with Elders, youth, and Guardians. Making Ocean Data Work helps communities interpret the data they receive and, where desired, collect their own. Seaweed, Stewardship and Coastal Economies maps Indigenous knowledge and builds Nation-defined engagement protocols for the growing seaweed sector. Communities choose what fits their priorities, and everything produced stays with the community.

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‍What makes it exciting

This could become a true "front door" to place that is culturally appropriate and transformative in practice. Where approved, a place space may open with a spoken place name and a short audio or video welcome, then guide users to what matters here: Nation priorities, stewardship work, engagement protocols, and the right people to connect with.

It also brings scattered projects, research, and opportunities into one trusted place, so Nations can show what is happening and what is needed without repeating themselves. Existing tools in the ocean data space are built for scientists and regulators. This platform starts from community knowledge and governance, then connects outward to research, industry, and government on Nation terms. For partners, it can surface collaboration pathways they would not otherwise find. For Nations, it creates a clear, Nation-defined way to make invitations to engage, on the Nation's terms.
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Designed around real users

The platform will be shaped with Nation users in mind, designed to serve coastal communities across B.C. Guardians and staff should be able to use it in the field, capture observations safely, and update what they choose to share within Nation governance and permissions. Partners will have a clear pathway to engage early and return results so knowledge does not disappear after projects end.
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Building in practice

This initiative starts with real work in communities. Initial pilot programs deliver tangible, needed outcomes for coastal First Nations while generating the practical learning required to build the platform right. Communities choose what fits their priorities and contribute participation, not money. All knowledge, data, equipment, protocols, and trained people remain with the community when programs end.

The model is designed to scale across multiple communities, creating direct positions and paid youth engagements in every community it reaches. Each program is designed to align with existing funding streams including FPCC, NRT, NDIT, Coast Funds, and PacifiCan.

Contact us for more detailed information about each program.
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Coastal Voices: marine heritage documentation and knowledge stewardship

Brings together Elders, youth, and Guardians to document marine cultural heritage knowledge tied to specific coastal places, creating community-controlled digital archives with clear governance frameworks. This program adapts to whatever stewardship structure the community has in place.
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Making Ocean Data Work: community data literacy and light-touch monitoring

Helps communities interpret the data they already receive from researchers and government, and where desired, begin collecting their own through light monitoring. Stewardship offices and Guardian teams regularly receive reports, datasets, and monitoring outputs with no translation layer. This program closes that gap.
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Seaweed, Stewardship and Coastal Economies: Indigenous-led knowledge and opportunity mapping

Maps Indigenous seaweed knowledge and builds Nation-defined engagement protocols for the growing seaweed industry. It is a knowledge, governance, and readiness program that ensures Nations are prepared, informed, and in control as the sector expands into their territories.
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A collaboration

Tidelines is led by Unify Partners as part of a deliberate collaboration. Altitude Heritage and Resource Protection Canada is guiding the platform software and brings deep archaeological and heritage expertise. ClimateDoor brings deep technology and industry connections, and the Pacific Seaweed Industry Association connects the work to responsible seaweed and ocean sector development. The initiative is already underway, supported by early funding, in-kind contributions, and committed partner time. Tidelines exists to break down silos and bring partners together for greater impact, building long-term benefit for all coastal communities rather than any single organisation.

We are seeking Nations interested in pilot participation, researchers and institutions seeking respectful engagement pathways, industry partners committed to consent-based engagement, and funders supporting Indigenous-led ocean stewardship and resilience.

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Contact:

Tiffanee Scorer, Unify Partners: tiffanee@unifypartners.ca

Theo Shaheen-McConnell, Altitude Heritage and Resource Protection Canada: theo@ahrpc.ca

Mark Smith, Pacific Seaweed Industry Association: mark.smith@seaweedindustry.ca