Following last year’s successful pilot, IOI Canada recently delivered its second Workshop on Ocean Governance for Indigenous Peoples. Held in Halifax, this in-person, interdisciplinary training was planned with and for Indigenous Peoples from Mi’kma’ki, Wolastoqiyik and Peskotomuhkatik (Maritime Provinces). Presentations and discussions focused on topics ranging from law and UNDRIP to fisheries and aquaculture, conservation, health of the ocean and alternative energy, with particular attention to Indigenous needs, perspectives and knowledge systems. Two half day field trips complemented the learning experience with tours of both a unique land-based aquaculture operation and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, as well as a visit to a Regional Fisheries Management Organisation.
A total of 27 speakers, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, shared their knowledge and expertise over the five days. This year’s participants were particularly honoured by the participation of the Mi’kmaq Grand Chief in the opening of the workshop, in addition to the course-long contribution of the Chief of the Peskotomuhkati Peoples as one of the co-moderators. Details of the speakers and the syllabus can be found in the final workshop report, posted on the IOI Canada website. Major financial support for this event was provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, supplemented by a contribution from IOI Headquarters.