Our Story
The National Indigenous Fisheries Institute is promoting national consistency and standards across Indigenous programs and practises to maximize the benefits to communities.
The Institute was set up in May 2017 following the National Indigenous Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (formerly known as the National Aboriginal Fisheries Forum). The organization is rooted in the principle of collaboration between Indigenous groups and government: the co-development, co-design and co-delivery approach to improving the programs and practises that impact the lives of Indigenous peoples.
Our work began with Indigenous Program Review and the development of the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative. This was completed in May 2019 and formally accepted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the same time. In September 2019, the Department also released a publicly accessible Action Plan to respond to each of the recommendations put forth in the review.
The Institute now has a number of projects underway to support Indigenous Program Review Implementation and the delivery of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Action Plan.
Guiding Principles
Co-development, Co-design, and Co-delivery
The collaborative approach in action – working as equal partners in the development, design, and delivery of federal programs and activities involving the lives and resources of Indigenous Peoples.
Inclusion
Our work includes you. We want to hear your ideas and opinions on the future of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Indigenous programs.
Openness
We are open to all ideas: great and small, new and old, national and regional, traditional and modern.
Respect
Inclusion and openness require respect. Disrespectful conduct will be promptly and fairly addressed.
Clear Communications
We will use plain language and visual media – and avoid overusing acronyms.