In 2008/2009, the First Nations Fisheries Council concentrated on a year of "capacity-building." The focus during this time was threefold: developing a long term organizational development strategy for the Council; developing work plan priorities; and responding to urgent fisheries and aquatic resource issues of importance to British Columbia First Nations.

A draft set of priorities for work planning was developed by the Council in early 2008 and was than used for consultation with First Nations communities in local engagement sessions.

More recently, the First Nations Fisheries Council and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have established four working groups under the Commitment to Action, which include Aquaculture, Section 35.1 (Food, Social and Ceremonial), Economic Access and Co-Management (Joint Management). The working groups have developed draft work plans, which were presented as part of the 2010 Fisheries Assembly.