More support for aboriginal aquaculture
It has been a long time coming, but the Campbell River-based Aboriginal Aquaculture Association (AAA) has now been resourced by two of the five full-time ATBE’s under a new program aimed at assisting aboriginal communities and individuals across Canada that want to engage in or investigate opportunities for economic development in the field of sustainable aquaculture. Earlier this year, the Executive Director of the AAA- Chief Richard Harry- told the Pacific Coastal Airline’s in-flight magazine Soar where he saw the most opportunities: “First Nations are in a unique position to take the lead with expansion of the industry. First Nations have much to off er to potential partnerships, including access to production sites, and a rapidly growing youth population to fill the many direct and indirect jobs. For those of us who have worked in fisheries, it is a natural fit as we already have many of the skills needed and it is done in our own back yards. There are also tremendous opportunities for new and emerging species such as geoduck and sablefish”.
A recent article posted in the McColl Magazine provides more details about the new program:
The Aboriginal Aquaculture in Canada Initiative (AACI) is a new program that supports Aboriginal economic development in the Canadian aquaculture sector. David Stirling in the Western office of AACI, says, "The AACI is in effect right now across the country and we are presently in contact with interested parties throughout the area of our mandate," each of these separate offices covers a lot of territory, "We handle inquiries from the west coast and north. Central and eastern AACI inquiries are going to different offices. The AACI is national and involves any group interested in aquaculture development."
An increasing number of Aboriginal communities and entrepreneurs want to explore economic development opportunities in the aquaculture sector. Aboriginal communities are in a unique position to benefit from sustainable aquaculture development due to their aquatic resources, rights and special access to aquaculture development sites. More than 48 Aboriginal groups across Canada have developed aquaculture business ventures and partnerships. "AACI is here to help with business planning and finding the funding. We are set up to do it with DFO supporting the initiative right across Canada, in conjunction with area First Nation groups. "The initiative is working toward job creation, skills development, business and equity ownership and (these areas) are all open to negotiation with the AACI. We've had a number of groups approach us to see what our offer is," says Stirling. "We are open to all forms of aquaculture, whatever the Band or company is interested in looking at." They have fielded inquiries from seafood proponents as well as freshwater fisheries, "Inquiries came from the Okanagan and a lot of people are interested in the fresh water aquaculture opportunities," since AACI is not exclusively a coastal initiative. The Western office consists of two Aboriginal Technical Business Experts (ABTE) who are available to provide business and technical services to Aboriginal communities and entrepreneurs interested in developing sustainable aquaculture business ventures. "We opened an office in Campbell River starting at the end of November and the commitment goes well into 2015. We will be meeting industry people to see what they have for Aboriginal economic initiatives, and we will hold a couple of national meetings." The Aboriginal Technical Business Experts provide support with planning, development and implementation of economic development opportunities in the aquaculture sector;
- Identification of Opportunities - New or expanded commercial production: shellfish, finfish and freshwater - Development and operation of businesses in the aquaculture supply and services sector.
- Planning, feasibility analysis and preparation of business development plans.
- Identify new innovations, approaches and best practices.
- Implementation of Business Plans.
- Identify and facilitate partnership and joint venture opportunities.
- Advisory services and support.
- Linkages to government, industry, academia and non-government organizations bringing additional expertise to the initiative.
AACI is hands-on Aboriginal economic development activities funded by DFO to identify job creation and skills development opportunities. The increased wealth and prosperity in rural and coastal communities is providing both social and economic benefits. The Aboriginal Aquaculture Association (AAA) is coordinating this initiative for Western Canada and the North in British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The AAA was established in 2003 to facilitate meaningful participation of Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal entrepreneurs in the aquaculture sector. The AAA mission is to promote aquaculture development that supports First Nation communities, culture and values. Who Qualifies? Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal Entrepreneurs in Western Canada and the North- British Columbia, Alberta, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut qualify.
