Ref. #2-3714
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (October 2, 2012) – The following statement was released by the Honourable John Duncan , Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, regarding the Second National Aboriginal Fisheries Forum in Nanaimo, British Columbia:
“Aboriginal communities have realized significant growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sector in recent years. Many of these successes were highlighted at the first National Aboriginal Fisheries Forum in Nova Scotia in March 2010. Now, with the convening of this second national gathering, we have an opportunity to build on that progress.
The Government of Canada is proud to support Aboriginal peoples and communities as they move towards developing fisheries enterprises that are more sustainable and economically viable. Through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative, the Government of Canada has been promoting partnerships between provinces, territories and the private sector to help Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities take advantage of opportunities in key sectors of the economy.
I extend my appreciation to the First Nations Fisheries Council of British Columbia, the Assembly of First Nations, the Aboriginal Aquaculture Association, the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs and the Native Brotherhood of British Columbia for organizing this event.
I encourage all participants to seize the opportunities presented by this event. Working together, we can build a stronger, more resilient industry that supports Aboriginal people and communities across the country.”
Minister's Office
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
