History
First Nations people in Canada have a special relationship with the oceans, lakes and rivers, which is routed in the fact that First Nations people continue to rely heavily on the water bodies for their subsistence, including their social, cultural, economic, and physical survival. Traditions and cultural practices are passed on with the understanding, commitment and vision adopted by each generation to respect, preserve and protect the health of the aquatic resources for the next seven generations.
AFN National Fisheries Strategy
(AFN-NFS)
Fishing is an essential part of First Nations’ relationship to the land and its resources. It is integral to First Nations’ history, culture, economies and, ultimately, self-sufficiency. In accordance with direction from the Chiefs-in-Assembly, we seek to assist First Nations in fostering resource management, conservation and protection, as well as to secure the recognition and protection of rights to aquatic and oceans resources.