by Marc Laframboise, MMNN Contributor

The National Indigenous Fisheries Institute (the Institute) in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) have begun a review of fisheries programs including the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative, its western equivalent the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative, the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy, the Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Oceans Management Program and the Aboriginal Fisheries Guardian Program. Mi’kmaw and Maliseet First Nations across Atlantic Canada and the Gaspé Peninsula are encouraged to participate in this review to ensure that these programs meet their needs and expectations.

NIFI is an organization led by Indigenous fisheries and aquaculture executives from across Canada who, together, form the Institute’s Board of Directors. Over the next several months, Board members will be working in collaboration with DFO representatives with the objective of improving these programs and making sure they are aligned with the priorities of First Nations.

One of the Institute’s five Board members is John G. Paul, Executive Director of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat. Mr. Paul recently had this to say: “The Institute represents early engagement on program review and program development at the outset. We have wanted that for a long time and it is happening.”

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is also participating in this program review. Audrey Mayes, AFN’s Senior ...