First Nations’ concerns about the health of our environment
have resulted in a desire to establish closer and more productive
relations with both Federal and Provincial governments, thereby
having a greater impact on policy development that affects our
overall social and natural environment. The AIHP is an avenue
to achieve greater input into decision-making that impacts First
Nation people.
As a first step toward the implementation of the program, the
FSIN Lands &Resources Secretariat will be facilitating First
Nation discussions, conducting fisheries habitat stewardship research
to promote environmental protection using First Nations Traditional
Knowledge, and organizing workshops to develop capacity in fisheries
habitat management. Expected outcomes for development work will
be a First Nations Fisheries Habitat Protection Strategy and AIHP
Implementation Framework.
The development of the AIHP is well underway. The immediate goal
of the program is to visit First Nation communities and First
Nations Agencies/ Tribal Councils/Grand Councils to discuss the
program in order for the First Nations to gain information and
to prepare for more focused sessions. These subsequent discussions
will attempt to substantially address the concerns of First Nation
communities. By being aware of the issues facing First Nations,
a sound strategy for improving or maintaining fish habitat can
be established.
We are requesting that First Nations consider the ways in which
the AIHP can benefit their communities directly. This may include,
but is not restricted to, identifying:
- Any issues that are affecting fish habitat (e.g. mining, dams,
pollution, development, industry, First Nations activities, etc.)
- Any areas where capacity development may be established
- Traditional Ecological Knowledge holders
- Other related issues
To request an information session in your community or Tribal
Council, or if you would like more information on the AIHP please
contact aihp.info@fsin.com.
