by Mitch Downton, MMNN Contributor

Each year, the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APCFNC) brings the most influential First Nations commercial fisheries managers and leaders together to share experiences and strategize for the future. This year, APCFNC is hosting their 20th Annual Fisheries Conference and Awards Banquet in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront from January 29th – 31st, 2019.

The Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations now operate close to 300 fishing vessels that employ 1,400 fish harvesters and generate over $100 million in landed value revenue each year. Many communities have diversified their fisheries operations and operate businesses ranging from seafood processing, marine servicing, and aquaculture production. These diversified enterprises generate an additional $50 million in annual gross revenue and employ 500 people in local jobs, all the while providing significant training and career development.

To celebrate these achievements, the 20th Annual Fisheries Conference and Awards Banquet will host Chiefs, Elders, Fisheries Managers, business leaders, AAROMs, NGOs, academia, and federal partners at the event. Cultural showcase “A Night of History Served With a Modern Twist” will take place in the evening of January 30th at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The conference will close in the evening of January 31st with the Commercial Fisheries Award ceremony located at Casino Nova Scotia. This will feature Keynote Spe ...