In the last 15 years, First Nations commercial fisheries enterprises (CFEs) have literally boomed across the Atlantic Canada region. Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations CFEs now operate close to 300 sea-going fishing vessels that employ over 1200 native fish harvesters.  This sudden and sustained influx of business activity brought with it a requirement to improve the capacity to operate and manage a successful CFE.  Atlantic First Nations determined that the solution was the creation of a comprehensive business management training program.

The priority was to enhance the professional growth and business knowledge of First Nations fisheries enterprise managers.  Training was required to strengthen fisheries and business planning management capacity, enabling the CFEs to better manage risks and challenges, seize new opportunities for growth and/or diversification, and maximize the overall economic performance of First Nations communities.

Under the guidance of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC), the Nova Scotia Community College School of Fisheries was asked to design, develop and deliver this new training program.  First Nations communities were consulted and their input and direction formed the roadmap for the new program.  In 2011, this process resulted in the implementation of the Fisheries Enterprise Management Training program.

The program involves six 4-day training sessions for CFE managers.  These six ...