Economic opportunities

Since time immemorial, fisheries and aquatic resources have been critically important to First Nations economies—first through trade with other Nations and early settlers, and in more recent times through commercial fishing, value-added operations, community fishing enterprises, and other activities. However, these practices have been marginalized over time by a number of factors including declining fish stocks, competing fisheries interests, and government policies limiting access to licences and quota. Demand is growing among First Nations to activate and support economic opportunities and diversification through sustainable fisheries and aquatic resources.

To support economic opportunities for First Nations in BC, FNFC aims to:

• improve awareness of First Nations political, social, and economic conditions
• unite First Nations voices in advancing their economic values, interests and aspirations
• Address economic and sustainability challenges related to fisheries and aquatic resources