ISLAND MARINE AQUATIC WORKING GROUP
We are an Indigenous collaborative that supports and revitalizes Indigenous fisheries through traditional knowledge, modern science, effective management, and the conservation and rebuilding of marine habitats and ecosystems.
With our up-to-date technical research and information, IMAWG provides advice, guidance and recommendations to Indigenous organizations and Fisheries & Oceans Canada.
We are made up of 15 member nations from the three language areas on Vancouver Island: Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw.
IMAWG is not an Indigenous organization with titles or rights, nor do we represent any Nation. We promote a platform for conversation, information sharing, and unite Indigenous Communities/First Nations to create a unified approach to Indigenous fisheries.
The Vancouver Island Salmon Committee (VISC) aims to develop strategies for rebuilding southern BC stocks, addressing gaps in understanding and improving stock status. This includes Tier One work to inform broader salmon engagement efforts like the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative.
We are made up of 15 member nation from the three language areas on Vancouver Island: Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw.
IMAWG is not an Indigenous organization with titles or rights, nor do we represent any Nation. We promote a platform for conversation, information sharing, and unite Indigenous Communities/First Nations to create a unified approach to Indigenous fisheries.
Our Purpose
“To strengthen and empower a unified approach for Indigenous fisheries, supporting ecosystems and respected rights ensuring food security and health for all communities and the next seven generations.”
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Jessica grew up in a small rural town in Ontario and spent her early summers canoeing and fishing on the Great Lakes. This time on lakes and rivers sparked her passion for the environment and her appreciation for wild spaces. She moved west to study Freshwater Sciences at the University of British Columbia and moved again to Vancouver Island quickly after graduation.
For the last two years, she has been living on the traditional territory of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation while working in commercial fisheries monitoring and on salmon spawner counts. In her spare time, she loves reading, being outdoors, surfing, and spending time out with her family and friends. Jessica is excited to work with Coastal First Nations in promoting their constitutional right to resources and the conservation of fisheries for the next seven generations to come.
Nicole Frederickson is a non-indigenous settler who was born and raised on Vancouver Island and has always had a strong love of nature and the natural world. She earned a diploma in resource management from Vancouver Island University in 2010. Following that, she worked as a field biologist in the environmental consulting industry, before returning to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Protection from Vancouver Island University in 2015.
Nicole has had the honour and privilege of working as a biologist for IMAWG since 2016. Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, paddleboarding and connecting with nature. Nicole’s hope for the future is that our ecosystem will be resilient in the face of climate change, and that one day soon, fish and our oceans will flourish the way they did prior to colonization.
Long term settler on Turtle Island, Sonora has been working with Indigenous people for 27 years in the field of resource management, and with IMAWG since 2011 when it was a sub- committee with the Fraser River Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy. Raised on Vancouver Island in the territories of the Tla-o-qui-at; her love of the environment was imprinted during a childhood filled with oceanic creatures and Indigenous culture.
As an independent contractor, Sonora partners with Indigenous organizations specializing in bringing indigenous people together with governments and others to help preserve and sustain resources for the next seven generations. Sonora’s work passion is in meeting engagement, conflict resolution, mediation and facilitation and has been a student of Indigenous teachings from the years of learning through the elders and knowledge holders she works with. Her life’s purpose is to use her skills to build effective bridges to increase awareness, understanding and collaboration.
Jordan Bromley serves as the Executive Director of the Q’ul-lhanumutsun Aquatic Resources Society, a role through which she has dedicated the past 12 years to serving the communities of Stz’uminus First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, Halalt First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Cowichan Tribes, and Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation. With 21 years of experience in fisheries and natural resources management, Jordan brings extensive expertise to IMAWG, with 19 of those years specifically focused on collaborating with Indigenous communities on capacity development, stock assessment, and natural resource protection. Since its establishment as a Society in 2014, Jordan has been an active member of IMAWG’s Board of Directors.
Believing in the transformative potential of IMAWG’s initiatives in science capacity development, education, and relationship building, Jordan envisions a future where Indigenous communities are empowered to shape resilient and healthy fisheries and aquatic resources across Canada. She emphasizes the importance of aligning such efforts with the constitutional rights of Indigenous Peoples and the government of Canada’s commitments to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the United Nations Declaration Act’s (UNDA) Action Plan. Jordan advocates for a commitment to truth, transparency, and respect in all endeavours, recognizing that leaving the fisheries landscape in a better state than it was found requires unwavering dedication. Through her leadership at IMAWG, Jordan strives to ensure that these principles are deeply ingrained in the organization’s work.
Harold is from the Ehattesaht community. His contribution to IMAWG stems from a diverse range of experiences within fisheries and traditional knowledge. These include involvement as a commercial fisherman, expertise in stream and river restoration, clam farming, as well as roles as a guardian, technician, and fin fish farmer.
His association with IMAWG spans back to its inception, originating from the FRAFS IFAWG, where he served as one of the original founders. Presently, he represents the Nuu-chah-nulth community, appointed by both the Council and the IMAWG Board of Directors.
Looking ahead, Harold’s aspirations for the future of fisheries revolve around integrating social economics and health considerations, aiming to reconnect with traditional diets.
Lastly, he is deeply grateful for his journey of sobriety, enabling him to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s endeavors alongside a dedicated team, striving to navigate them toward their envisioned destination.
