by Marc Laframboise
Aquaculture is attracting a high level of interest from First Nation leaders as a growing business development sector and a job creation engine for Aboriginal fisheries across Canada. First Nation communities have come together with government representatives to form the Aboriginal Aquaculture Engagement Initiative (AAEI) in an effort to increase the dialogue and identify economic opportunities in the Aboriginal aquaculture sector. Findings from 21 AAEI engagement workshops were presented and discussed at the second National Aboriginal Fisheries Forum (NAFF II) that were held in Nanaimo, British Columbia on October 2-4, 2012. NAFF II brang together First Nation leaders, key government representatives and private sector fisheries and aquaculture industry experts with one common goal in mind; creating business opportunities in the Aboriginal fishery and aquaculture sectors.
The purpose of the AAEI is to increase dialogue among Aboriginal and First Nation communities across Canada and to identify opportunities for economic development via the aquaculture sector. The AAEI fits well with the established priorities of Aboriginal leadership and the federal government. Furthermore, it also aligns perfectly with the January 2012 Crown-First Nations Outcome Statement and the Canada-First Nations Joint Action Plan. Aboriginal leadership and the Government of Canada have agreed to establish a partnership to capitalize on economic development opportunities that would benefit F ...
Tags: AAEI, Aboriginal Aquaculture Engagement Initiative, Bertin Leblanc, Dartmouth, DFO, Government of Canada, Indian Island First Nation, Nanaimo-BC, National Aboriginal Fisheries Forum, Phil Drinnan, Waycobah