First Nations Engagement and Consultations

Fisheries and Oceans Canada consults with First Nations, stakeholders and Canadians on matters of interest and concern to them. Consulting is an important part of good governance, sound policy development and decision-making. In addition to good governance objectives, Canada has statutory, contractual and common law obligations to consult with Aboriginal groups.

The Crown has a legal duty to consult and, if appropriate, accommodate (Aboriginal Consultation and Accommodation - Updated Guidelines for Federal Officials to Fulfill the Legal Duty to Consult, 2011) when the Crown contemplates conduct that might adversely impact section 35 rights (established or potential).

The following meetings, workshops and planning sessions are with First Nations and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Consultation and engagement with First Nations includes participation on a number of levels and in a variety of ways. These exchanges and involvement may include advisory processes, management boards, technical groups and other roundtable forums.

The First Nation Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management (AAROM) groups meet monthly. The DFO Aboriginal Affairs Advisors and the Resource Managers attend any Tier 2 (First Nations and DFO)components to the sessions with the AAROM groups.

First Nations Meetings