The event will take place from March 29 - 31, 2011. John G. Paul, Executive Director of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat states "Together, we can improve the future economic success of the Aboriginal Peoples in the fisheries sector. Collectively, we can strengthen skills in marketing, product and market readiness while creating opportunities for economic development in the Aboriginal communities". He further states "This event is designed to promote partnerships and collaboration between Aboriginal peoples and communities, federal and provincial governments and industry as a way towards a more economically prosperous, diverse and sustainable fisheries for Aboriginal people".
This national conference will outline the scope of the Aboriginal fisheries sector in Canada focusing on best practices in Aboriginal fisheries and economic development. Both the Fisheries Council of Canada and the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters will attend the forum and present on the business of fishing in Canada.
Practitioners and interested parties can share and evaluate accomplishments to date, consider current issues and challenges facing the fisheries sector and identify opportunities and new directions for future economic success.
The presentations and format will focus on those working directly in the industry across Canada, with an emphasis on commercial fisheries, aquaculture, seafood marketing and product development and recreational fishing activities. With a national scope that includes presenters from the US and Canada such as John Nagle Company, Boston, Mass. who will be presenting "Seafood Market Overview" while from Eastern Canada, Chief Jesse Simon of Elsipogtog, New Brunswick will present on the "Vertical Integration and Strategic Partnerships in the Snow Crab Industry". From the pacific region, Chris Cook, President of Native Brotherhood of BC will speak to "Aboriginal Fisheries and Solidarity" and from the Northern Canada, Jerry Ward, CEO of Baffin Fisheries Coalition will speak to the Aboriginal fisheries development in the north.
"Our government supports Aboriginal participation in a prosperous and sustainable fisheries sector," said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries & Oceans. "This Forum can help realize this goal by ensuring that Aboriginal fisheries practitioners have the right knowledge and tools to succeed in this challenging and competitive industry."
"Through the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development, the Government of Canada is working with Aboriginal communities and other partners to enhance the long-term sustainability and economic performance of Aboriginal enterprises," said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "We are proud to support events such as the National Aboriginal Fisheries Forum that further our shared objective of helping Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities take advantage of emerging opportunities in key sectors of the economy."
Funding for this initiative has been provided by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
National Aboriginal Fisheries Forum
CANADA - The Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat along with co-hosts - the Assembly of First Nations, the Aboriginal Aquaculture Association, the BC First Nations Fisheries Council and the Native Brotherhood of BC - present the National Aboriginal Fisheries Forum at the Holiday Inn Harbourview in Dartmouth, NS.