COVID-19 Message from the Institute

The spread of COVID-19 has demanded extraordinary measures be taken to protect our communities, our Elders, our families, and ourselves. In this difficult time, we must all focus on our safety, health, and wellbeing.

The robust, and necessary, public health response to this pandemic has resulted in a great deal of uncertainty. Significant disruption to fishing seasons, technical projects, and economic activity is being experienced in all regions. Institute operations have been impacted as well.

On March 20th, we closed our head office in Membertou, NS in response to a locally declared State of Emergency. Our staff moved quickly to re-establish all Institute functions from the safety of home offices, to ensure continuity of daily operations. Our Board of Directors will receive updates on our project status, and we will look to their leadership during this challenging period. Our entire Institute team continues to work diligently on the programs, initiatives, and issues that are so important to you.

Wherever possible, we are leveraging technology to continue important conversations on research, conservation, business development, and opportunities for Indigenous fisheries. Where this is not an option, we are on the phone; reaching out to maintain contact and to assist wherever possible.

During these difficult times, the National Indigenous Fisheries Institute continues to work with Indigenous communities, CFEs, our partners, and various levels of government. Should you wish to contact the Institute, please send an email to our Administrator at admin@indigenousfisheries.ca and they will direct you to the appropriate contact.

When daily life returns to normal – and it will – there will be much work to do.

We will be there to assist you.

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay strong.

John G. Paul, President

on behalf of the Board of Directors