Co-developing knowledge with Indigenous communities to facilitate sustainable fisheries management: a ‘FISHES’ perspective

The co-development of knowledge and complementarity of different ways of knowing is an emergent hallmark of natural resource management in Canada’s North. FISHES (Fostering Indigenous Small-scale fisheries for Health, Economy, and food security) is a Genome Canada Large-Scale Applied Research Project co-led by Concordia. FISHES addresses critical socio-economic challenges and opportunities related to sustainable fisheries across Canada’s North through an interweaving of Indigenous knowledge, genomics and fisheries science. This panel will introduce FISHES partnerships, with particular emphasis on a long-standing research partnerships between Concordia and Cree Nations in northern Quebec (Eeyou Istchee). This partnership combines Indigenous knowledge with genetic/genomic, morphological and ecological data on several freshwater fishes for management decision-making within Quebec’s largest lake (Mistassini Lake) and wildlife reserve, and along the James Bay Coast. The unification of knowledge types has provided critical information on local fish population dynamics, seasonal movements and harvesting trends, while addressing Indigenous fisher concerns. Through mutual respect and co-development of monitoring projects, such partnerships can contribute to fostering culturally appropriate management decision-making and Indigenous-led stewardship of natural resources.

This panel will feature the following honoured guests:

Confirmed:

• Pamela MacLeod, Local Environment Administrator, Cree Nation of Mistissini
• Andrew Coon, Economic Development, Cree Nation of Mistissini
• Natasha Louttit, Eeyou Marine Wildlife Liaision Officer
• George Natawapineskum, CTA-Eeyou Marine Region Officer
• John Lameboy, CTA-Eeyou Marine Region Officer
• Derek Okimaw, CTA-Eeyou Marine Region Officer
• Sanford Diamond, CTA-Eeyou Marine Region Officer
• Robert Fireman, CTA-Eeyou Marine Region Officer
• Monica Mulrennan, Professor, Concordia University
• Stephan Schott, Professor, Carleton University
• Louis Bernatchez, Professor, Laval University
• Dylan Fraser, Professor, Concordia University

Tentative (unconfirmed to date):

• Thomas Stevens - Executive Director  (added new person)
• Adrian Chiskamish - Chisasibi
• Arden Visitor - Wemindji
• Clayton Tomatuk - Eastmain
• Redfern Blueboy - Waskaganish
• Elijah Sandy - Whapmagoostui
• Thomas Jolly - Chair (president) CTA