IMAT is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81325080706?pwd=mlJyykT3YSyEHSS4dkVn0dVnqfROaW.1

Meeting ID: 813 2508 0706
Passcode: 708526

Planned Agenda Topics include:

1. 2024 Post Season Salmon Review– Matt Clarke, Karalea Filipovic, DFO South Coast StockAssessment

2. Pacific Salmon Commission Chinook Tech Committee (CTC) Updates –Laura Tessier, DFO & PSC CTC Co-Chair

3. CreelIn-season Bulletins – Aswea Porter & Matt Clarke,DFO

4. PacificSalmon Explorer, State of the Salmon Report & PSF/IMAWG collaborative VISalmon Monitoring Tool – Eric Hertz, PacificSalmon Foundation

5. IMAWG/DFOcollaboration: Rapid Status Algorithm Workshop Series ECVI – Sue Grant, DFO Science & Nicole Frederickson, IMAWG

The Agenda will be finalized and circulated in early January 2025.

Salmon IMAT Technical meeting: 2024 Post Season review

Agenda and meeting details to be provided closer to the meeting date.

SAVE THE DATE!

Welcome to the new year Nations and the start of Salmon Engagement Season.

IMAWG will be hosting our first Tier One for Nations on the Island to gather and discuss information that will be shared by our Tier Two technical group IMAT.  

Please note we will be providing information such as post and pre season brought forward by DFO, updates on priorities such as MSF Fisheries, chinook Creel, Salmon Allocation Policy progress, and outcomes from Fraser River Forum.

Zoom Option: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81623680756?pwd=AkQl3RjHNb8QtksUjPpOqCdag562Oa.1
Meeting ID: 816 2368 0756
Passcode: 297998

Agendas and Supporting Documents: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/sqo3n7cl1lafv55lu36ce/AHgQgZ8q5njnYAzWUPL6UQ0?rlkey=5b6pjfzox62aozs7yl99li86k&dl=0

Please advise your attendance by accepting this invitation to ensure facility needs are planned.

The FSMB JTC meets on the second & forth Wednesday of each month.

The 4^th Annual Indigenous Climate Resilience Forum will be taking place virtually from February 18-20, 2025. Hosted by the B.C. Climate Action Secretariat in collaboration with the Indigenous Climate Adaptation Working Group, this year’s Forum will build upon the success of the first three Forums.

For details visit: https://mahihkan.ca/ICRF/

You are cordially invited to attend and participate in FNFC’s Policy Forum, set for February 18^th & 19^th, 2025. Over the two days, FNFC will be convening First Nations in BC to provide updates and elicit feedback from participants on the review of the 1999 Salmon Allocation Policy, as well as the implementation of the federal United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) Action Plan. This Policy Forum will build from feedback we heard from the first Policy Forum in October 2024, and we will be looking review draft recommendations and options with First Nations in BC.

This Policy Forum will be set in Vancouver (location to be announced), and will feature presentations and discussions on:

1. Update on the Salmon Allocation Policy Review
2. Refined recommendations for a new Salmon Allocation Policy
3. Amendments to bring federal legislations, regulations and policies to be consistent with UNDRIP and other Reconciliation commitments
4. Exploration of First Nations, First Nations-Governments, and First Nations-Governments-Stakeholders collaborative spaces that respects First Nations’ jurisdiction and authority

This event is in-person only. Registration is required to attend the Policy Forum. Please register here: Register here

Catering will be provided for registered participants.

**Note: An online-only session will be organized for those interested to participate but is unable to attend in-person. Registration information for the online session will be sent separately.

Travel Subsidy:

Limited funding is available to support travel costs. Travel is intended to encourage First Nations participation in this event and will be limited to two person(s) per community/organization. Travel expenses eligible for reimbursement include transportation (e.g. flight, ferry, mileage, taxi, parking, etc.) and accommodation. Meals, incidentals, and honoraria are not eligible for reimbursement.

Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Based upon current rates, we recommend that hotel accommodation does not exceed $250/night.

Please contact Mary Mahon (FNFC Project Coordinator, Policy & Fisheries Management) at mary@fnfisheriescouncil.ca to request for a travel subsidy. Travel subsidies must be pre-approved to be eligible, prior to travel.

Day 1: Salmon Allocation Policy Review Regional Engagement

When: Tuesday, February 18^th, 2025, 9am – 4pm

Where: Vancouver, BC

Day 1 will focus on the review of the Salmon Allocation Policy (SAP) and developments to date. FNFC will convene First Nations in BC to collaboratively establish and discuss priorities relating to the development of a new SAP, and to review and discuss recommendations coming out of the working group processes. 

Background: The 2018 Supreme Court Ahousaht Decision found that the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) 1999 Salmon Allocation Policy (SAP) was an unjustified infringement of the Five Nations’ (Ahousaht, Ehattesaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Hesquiaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations) aboriginal rights to fish and sell fish insofar as the SAP accords priority in allocation to the recreational fishery over the Five Nations rights-based sale fishery for coho and chinook salmon. The judges in the case ordered a review and revision of the SAP to ensure that it upholds the Five Nations’ rights. As the 1999 Salmon Allocation Policy is Pacific-region in scale and impacts First Nations in BC broadly, FNFC has been working with First Nations delegates and DFO to review the policy, and identify recommendations for First Nations priorities towards the new SAP. The Regional Salmon Allocation Policy will continue the opportunity to continue these discussions and review the work to date.

Objectives:

1. To review and discuss the development of work done to date and future plans from DFO
2. To convene First Nations in BC into a collaborative space to review developments, and review refined recommendations from the SAP Review

Day 1 Structure:

1. Tier 2: (Note: Tier 2 is to be confirmed) Update from DFO on the review to date, proposals being considered by different groups (First Nations and stakeholders), and developing consensus recommendations (and areas of disagreement) to update a new SAP and steps to formalize changes to the policy
2. Tier 1: Collaborative space for First Nations delegates to review developments to date, and reviewing updated proposals from the SAP Working Group (First Nations-only process)
3. Tier 1: Review and discussion for First Nations priorities and input to the recommendations

Day 2: UNDA Action Plan Implementation

When: Wednesday, February 19^th, 2025, 9am – 4pm

Where: Vancouver, BC

Day 2 will focus on the implementation of the UNDA Action Plan, with a dedicated focus on Action Plan Measures 36: amendments and reforms to fisheries legislation, regulation, or policies and 37: enhance collaborative tools agreements, and transparent approaches to management of fisheries, and conservation and protection of fish habitat.

Background: Since 2021, FNFC have been convening First Nations in BC to collaboratively identify ways for federal and provincial governments to advance reconciliation commitments and to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) from a fisheries and aquatic resources lens. Building from the FNFC’s Turning the Tide and Stemming of the Tide reports, this session is intended to identify specific recommendations and actions to advance Canada’s UNDA Action Plan commitments, and identify options for the amendment of federal laws, regulations and policies to be consistent with UNDRIP and other Reconciliation commitments. These discussions are essential in creating a more coherent First Nations voice on critical issues, and more effectively influence Governments to be accountable to First Nations priority access, title and rights.

Objectives:

1. To review the draft report of potential amendments to Canada’s legislations (Fisheries Act and Oceans Act), regulations, policies, and operations, to determine consistency with UNDRIP and other Reconciliation commitments
2. To convene First Nations in BC into a collaborative space to work together at the provincial scale and provide feedback to recommendations that can further the UNDA Action Plan implementation
3. To discuss provincial-scale options for collaborative structures to advance First Nations co-management in BC

Day 2 Structure:

1. Tier 1: Review and discuss the proposed recommendations identified at the October 2024 Policy Forum to determine alignment with UNDA Action Plan implementation
2. Tier 1: Review and discuss the influence of First Nations in BC on Federal and provincial decision-making processes
3. Tier 1: Explore next steps to support First Nations working together, and fostering a more coherent voice on critical issues that can influence Government decisions to be more re
   

Pacific Salmon Foundation Kelp Restoration Symposium. The event will be held in Victoria, BC and will take place February 24-26, 2025. This will be an in-person event and we are not currently offering a remote attendance option.

2025 SALMON PRE-SEASON MEETING - ISLAND MARINE AQUATIC TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP (IMAT)

AGENDA

OBJECTIVES:

·       Receivean overview of the Pacific Salmon Commission Chum Tech Committee list ofpriorities for Southern Endowment Funds projects.

·       Overviewof key findings from peer reviewed paper Adapting Management of Pacificsalmon to a warming and more crowded ocean

·       Learnabout PSF/BCCF Bottlenecks Project and update on key results to date.

·       Updateon 2024 Reference Fishery findings and plans for 2025 Reference Fishery.

·       Learnabout WCVI Nation led Rebuilding Plan processes.

·       Learnabout Ha’oom Genetics Lab development

·       Discussprevious Action Items and future planning

Save the date: The annual Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) State of the Pacific Ocean (SOPO) meeting will be convened, live, in Sidney, March 5-6, 2025. The meeting will be a hybrid event such that online attendance and participation is possible. More information to follow.

Hosted by DFO since 1999, the annual State of the Pacific Ocean meeting provides an important opportunity for the marine science community to learn about and discuss the results of the most recent year’s monitoring off Canada’s west coast. 

You are receiving this invitation as you, or colleagues from your community and/or associated Indigenous organizations, may be interested in discussing the most recent observations and expected future conditions of the Pacific’s oceanographic and biological conditions, marine heat waves, unusual events, and marine species and ecosystems.

If you are interested in attending this year’s SOPO meeting, or if you would like to propose a presentation to this year’s or next year’s event, please let us know by responding to StateOfThePacificOcean@gmail.com. 

The meeting agenda is being assembled and will consist of 10 minute talks with time for questions.

The 2024 SOPO report is published and available at: waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/library-bibliotheque/41260879.pdf

The First Nations Fisheries Council of BC (FNFC) would like to invite you to a two-day, in-person Fish and Fish Habitat Knowledge Sharing Forum for Tier 1 (First Nations only) participants from across BC. This session will be held in-person (location TBC) from Tuesday, February 25th – Wednesday, February 26th, 2025. While the idea for this forum arose from previous engagement on DFO's Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program (FFHPP), the topics for the forum are not yet set. Broadly speaking, we are hoping that this forum can provide a space for Tier 1 participants (and potentially others) to collaborate, share resources, and discuss topics of interest related to fish and fish habitat.

Registration is required for this event. To reserve your spot, please register through Eventbrite here.

During FNFC's previous engagement sessions, participants have stated that they would like to be included in the planning and development of events. As such, we are asking our Tier 1 contacts to complete this survey to identify what formats and topics participants would like to see at this event. The survey will remain open until December 2nd at 4:00 PM PST.

We will be randomly selecting one individual from the survey responses to receive a $50 Gift Card.

Any questions regarding this event or survey can be directed to Lauren at lauren@fnfisheriescouncil.ca.

The First Nations Fisheries Council of British Columbia (FNFC) and DFO’s Restoration Centre of Expertise invite you to participate in our upcoming blended Tier 1 and Tier 2 Engagement Sessions. These sessions will provide an opportunity for Tier 1 participants from across BC to gather and discuss DFO’s second draft of the Restoration Priorities Plan for the Pacific Region. A copy of the updated draft plan will be sent to registrants with a pre-meeting package closer to the event date. Two replicate sessions will be hosted virtually at the following times:

• Monday, March 10th, 2025 (1 – 4 PM PST, virtual)
• Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 (1 – 4 PM PST, virtual)

Sessions will commence with Tier 1 (First Nations only) space and then will transition into a Tier 2 (Crown government + First Nations) discussion to provide DFO with feedback on the draft plan. The last portion of the sessions will provide additional Tier 1 space so participants can reflect on the day and provide any additional feedback.

Meeting Objectives

1. Present a high-level overview and analysis of DFO’s updated version 2.0 Draft Restoration Priorities Plan for the Pacific Region along with feedback from previous engagement sessions;
2. Facilitate discussion and seek feedback on the updated draft plan, consider restoration perspectives from across BC. 

Meeting Details

Registration is required for these sessions. The deadline to register is Friday, March 7^th, 2025.

Register for a session here! Please register for the session you'd prefer to attend by selecting the ticket for that date. A Zoom link and meeting package will be sent by email to registrants closer to the meeting date.

If you have any questions regarding these engagement sessions, please contact lauren@fnfisheriescouncil.ca.   

320-1200 West 73rd Ave

Vancouver, BC V6P 6G5             

Tel: 778.379.6470

The Washington-BC Chapter of AFS is extending its call for symposia and workshop submissions for our 2025 chapter conference taking place March 10 to 13, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The theme for this meeting is "Beyond Borders: Connecting Communities, People and Fish" 

The FSMB JTC meets on the second & forth Wednesday of each month.

The First Nations Fisheries Council of British Columbia (FNFC) and DFO’s Restoration Centre of Expertise invite you to participate in our upcoming blended Tier 1 and Tier 2 Engagement Sessions. These sessions will provide an opportunity for Tier 1 participants from across BC to gather and discuss DFO’s second draft of the Restoration Priorities Plan for the Pacific Region. A copy of the updated draft plan will be sent to registrants with a pre-meeting package closer to the event date. Two replicate sessions will be hosted virtually at the following times:

• Monday, March 10th, 2025 (1 – 4 PM PST, virtual)
• Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 (1 – 4 PM PST, virtual)

Sessions will commence with Tier 1 (First Nations only) space and then will transition into a Tier 2 (Crown government + First Nations) discussion to provide DFO with feedback on the draft plan. The last portion of the sessions will provide additional Tier 1 space so participants can reflect on the day and provide any additional feedback.

Meeting Objectives

1. Present a high-level overview and analysis of DFO’s updated version 2.0 Draft Restoration Priorities Plan for the Pacific Region along with feedback from previous engagement sessions;
2. Facilitate discussion and seek feedback on the updated draft plan, consider restoration perspectives from across BC. 

Meeting Details

Registration is required for these sessions. The deadline to register is Friday, March 7^th, 2025.

Register for a session here! Please register for the session you'd prefer to attend by selecting the ticket for that date. A Zoom link and meeting package will be sent by email to registrants closer to the meeting date.

If you have any questions regarding these engagement sessions, please contact lauren@fnfisheriescouncil.ca.   

320-1200 West 73rd Ave

Vancouver, BC V6P 6G5             

Tel: 778.379.6470

For meeting invite or details contact: DFO.PacificCSA-CASPacifique.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Empowering Indigenous Communities through Data Sovereignty

Location: Tigh-na-mara Conference Room

Territory of Snaw-Naw-AsFirst Nation and the Qualicum First Nation, Parksville BC

March 25^th& 26^th, 9:00-4:00

Objective of Workshop #3

»        Understand the Indigenous experience with data use within the context of fisheries and DFO

»        Identify practical ways to operationalize Indigenous Data Sovereignty, through;

»        Examining what accountability, roles and responsibilities for Indigenous Data Sovereignty looks like;

»        Creating mechanisms to customize different levels of protection, oversight, or community involvement for specific levels of data sensitivity

»        Develop strategies for safeguarding and respectful use of Indigenous Knowledge.

PROJECT GOAL

Toco-develop guidance materials for understanding and operationalizing Indigenous data sovereignty and the respectful use of Indigenous Knowledge (IK). These materials aim to inform and contribute to the DFO Data Ethics and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Framework, ensuring respect and support for Indigenous data sovereignty.

Contact: IMAWG at myclan@telus.net for more information

Join us for an IMAT/DFO co-hosted workshop on the Rapid Status Assessment (RSA) methods.


Zoom link: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87355929461?pwd=zzbcxnHvOZnPhDk8Eyib8A9qUmP3Ev.1

Meeting ID: 873 5592 9461 Passcode: 542841

Who this workshop is for: First Nation Biologists, Fisheries managers, technicians and DFO local science and resource management staff.

Purpose:  The workshop will bring together DFO science and Vancouver Island First Nations fisheries staff to improve understanding of the RSA’s role in determining stock status. Participants will explore technical aspects of the algorithm, it's application to Vancouver Island salmon populations, and how it can be used to inform science-based management decisions.

Objectives: 
1. Improve understanding of the Rapid Status Evaluation Approach

• Apply the methods to a chosen Vancouver Island Salmon Conservation Unit to simulate a real-life example of the the Rapid Status Approach works.
• Provide an opportunity for First Nations to provide local expertise to vet data and outputs (a key step in the process)

2. Understand how this approach fits into/informs broader processes like the Fish Stock Provisions, Fisheries Science Advisory Reports (FSARs) and Rebuilding Plans

3. Explore how this approach can be improved/adapted in a way that supports First Nation led approaches to determining stock status and rebuilding.

4. Learn about existing First Nations led approaches to determining/evaluating stock status 

 

Registration is required for the workshop.

To register, please contact Nicole Frederickson at:
email: nfrederickson.imawg@gmail.com
Call/Text: 778-268-1904

As per guidance of IMAWG Members and IMAT Participants, we have requested that DFO hold a Tier Two webinar to discuss salmon management for the upcoming season BEFORE the IFMP comments were due.  Unfortunately timing didn't align perfectly, but DFO still has committed to hold this online meeting for you to ask questions and provide feedback.

You may have gotten a meeting invite from the South Coast Area Director's office; but just in case please mark "attending/yes" on this invite as well.  


Salmon Tier 2Meeting with Island Nations

Virtual and contact us for webinar and dropbox links.

Objectives:

1.     Provide First Nations on Vancouver Island and Mainland Inlets an update on the current and/or proposed management measures for salmon stocks for the 2025 fishing season.

2.     Gather feedback on proposed sockeye and chinook management measures and options.

3.     Identify any potential bilateral engagements the come from Tier Two engagement.

4.     Provide all the information before meeting to prepare for feedback and comments into the draft South Coast Salmon Integrated Fisheries Management Plan.