Working Groups

FNFC-DFO Working Group Members

The First Nations Fisheries Council received a great deal of interest from many First Nations people, communities and organizations from across the province in response to our open call to establish four joint FNFC-DFO Working Groups (Co-Management, FSC Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Salmon Shares & Economic Access). The objectives of the Working Groups are to advance the objectives of the First Nations Fisheries Council and Fisheries and Oceans Canada as articulated in the B.C. First Nations Fisheries Action Plan (2007) and the FNFC-DFO Commitment to Action and Results.

The Council has made its best effort to establish Working Groups that:

Engage people who have specific experience / expertise that will be helpful to the working groups (e.g. Experience working with First Nations communities in B.C. on natural and cultural resources, an understanding of the fisheries management regime in B.C., etc),
Collectively are knowledgeable of current First Nations issues/concerns in B.C. as they relate to aquatic resource management and protection of First Nations title and rights,
Have the potential to create linkages with other collaborative processes, either within First Nations, between Nations, bilateral initiatives and/or multi-sector initiatives,
Provide a capacity building opportunity to engage First Nations and First Nations organizations in this joint effort of the FNFC and DFO, and
Have a widespread geographic distribution.

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First Nation and Fisheries & Oceans Canada Working Group Members

Aquaculture:

First Nations: Chief Bob Chamberlin (co-chair), Cliff Atleo, Jeff Thomas, Richard Hardy, Tracy Sampson and Dave Schmidt

Fisheries & Oceans Canada: Andy Thomson, Sean Wouters, Gary Reay, Barbara Elias and Anita Bedo

Economic Access:

First Nations: Russ Jones (co-chair), Chris Cook, Violet Hill, Brian Toth, Dave Moore and Gary Alexcee

Fisheries & Oceans Canada: Angela Bate (co-chair), Kim West, Rita Purdon, Barb Snyder, Wilf Luedke and Stacee Martin

Co-Management

First Nations: Howie Wright (co-chair), Ross Wilson, Murray Ned, Greg Wadhams, Catherine Rigg and Pete Nicklin

Fisheries & Oceans Canada: Corey Jackson (co-chair), Angela Bate, Brigid Payne, Barry Huber, Deborah Phelan & Gerry Kelly

Section 35(1) Food Social and Ceremonial Fisheries

First Nations: Chief Walter Joseph (co-chair), Mark Duiven, Megan Moody, Tony Roberts Jr., Ernie Victor and Nicole McLelland

Fisheries & Oceans Canada: Brigid Payne (co-chair), Terri Bonnet, Paul Ryall, Colin Masson, David Leach and Barry Huber

The B.C. First Nations Fisheries Council serves an important role in bringing together First Nations with an expertise in fisheries from around the province. The objectives of the Council's Working Groups are to share information and to enhance the awareness and capacity of local First Nations to deal with fisheries management issues. In addition, some working groups may also advise the Council and government on policy development approaches which will best reflect First Nations priorities and values. First Nations can contact the Fisheries Council for a user name and id in order to access more information about these initiatives.

B.C. First Nations Regional Fisheries Organizations

The Council facilitates bi-weekly conference calls of First Nations regional fisheries organizations. Participants are usually fisheries program staff, who share ideas and provide updates on current priorities and programs.

Link to B.C. First Nations Regional Fisheries Organizations Page

First Nations Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative Technical Working Group

The First Nations PICFI Technical Working Group preceeded the development of the Council, but is now working with the Council in order to support dialogue which will lead to improvements in the manner in which DFO delivers the PICFI program.

Link to PICFI Technical Working Group Page

Commitment to Action Working Groups

First Nations Fisheries Council Working Group on Aquaculture

Link to web page

First Nations Fisheries Council Working Group on Section 35 (1) FSC access

Link to web page

First Nations Fisheries Council Working Group on Co-Management

Link to web page

First Nations Fisheries Council Working Group on Economic Access/Salmon Shares

Link to web page