ORGANIZATIONAL
STRUCTURE

IMAWG OPERATES as an incorporated nonprofit representing diverse language groups from Vancouver Island to facilitate effective engagement with DFO and other Indigenous fisheries organizations.

Organizational Structure

IMAWG is funded by the DFO program Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management (AAROM) and is an incorporated not for profit organization founded in 2008. It is comprised of 15 elected Members from the three language groups on and around Vancouver Island: Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw. From these 15 members, 6 are appointed as the Board of Directors.

IMAWG is managed by a contracted Executive Director and supported by two full time biologists who work with IMAWG members, the IMAWG Board of Directors, DFO and other collaborative regional and international Indigenous fishery organizations/processes.

IMAWG is also supported by a technical team called the Island Marine Aquatic Technical Working Group (IMAT) who uses both historical and modern science to review data and information to provide the best sound advice to Indigenous organizations when engaging in co-management with DFO.

NOT FOR PROFIT

IMAWG is a not-for-profit society who operates under transparent bylaws and Constitution, and follows a supportive Strategic Plan.

Committee Composition and Roles

Members

  • Serve a three-year term
  • Attend all meetings and workshops of IMAWG.
  • Discuss priorities, provide advice, support, guidance and collective feedback.
  • Observe the modern and traditional meeting procedures.
  • Serve on other committees or fishery processes and report back to IMAWG.

Directors

  • Six directors (two per language group) chosen by each of the members.
  • Board appoints a President/Chair, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer.
  • Board exercises all the powers of the Society.
  • Board hires and monitors the work of staff and contractors.
  • Board reports on their activities to the members.

Executive Director

The Executive Director provides function for the IMAWG to operate and manage the Society as directed by of the Board of Directors, Strategic Plan, by-laws and constitutions, human resources and finance policies and coordinating activities of IMAWG. They provide advice, guidance and direction on both fisheries and larger scale policy matters.

Biologists

Scientific advisors who undertake activities supporting science-based decision- making for First Nations and community engagement, and providing professional advice within the area of fisheries expertise. They identify needs, conduct research, participate in initiatives, and prepare related communication materials.

Learn More about our Members, Directors & Staff!

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ISLAND MARINE AQUATIC
TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP (IMAT)

IMAWG is supported by a technical team called the Island Marine Aquatic Technical Working Group (IMAT) who uses both historical and modern science to review data and information to provide the best sound advice to Nations when engaging in co-management with DFO. It’s important to understand that IMAWG is not a rights holding organization or a decision making body, therefore does not replace fiduciary bilateral consultations between First Nation groups and the Government; we are here to support those discussions with shared information and advice.

MEET OUR BOARD & STAFF

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.

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