by Marc Laframboise MMNN Contributor

The fourth National Indigenous Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum (NAFF IV) hosted by the National Indigenous Fisheries Institute (NIFI) took place at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo, British Columbia from October 16-19, 2023. The driving theme for the forum was “shaping the future of Indigenous fisheries.”

Rooted in the principle of collaboration between Indigenous groups and government, NIFI is an Indigenous-led organization that focuses on fisheries management, science and conservation within Indigenous communities. The organization was a major architect in the development of the co-development, co-design and co-delivery approach to improving the programs and practices that impact the lives of Indigenous peoples.

Built off of the successes of the first three forums, NAFF IV focused on the creation of future opportunities for Indigenous fisheries and aquaculture in Canada. Influential leaders across the Indigenous fisheries and aquaculture industry, the industry at large and government were present throughout the event designed to highlight innovation in industry, emerging markets, government programming, the evolution of aquaculture, and more.

The forum allowed for extensive communications between First Nation communities, a major purpose of the forum. Delegates from across Canada also took advantage of opportunities to network and build national and international relationships. A record 550 people were in attendance at the foru ...