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National Indigenous Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum

NAFF V: Honouring Indigenous Knowledge and Leadership in Fisheries and Aquaculture

In today’s rapidly evolving fisheries and aquaculture landscape, Indigenous leadership is not only necessary it’s transformative. The National Indigenous Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum (NAFF V) offers a powerful, four-day space for Indigenous leaders, innovators, policymakers, and community members to gather, collaborate, and shape the future of these sectors.

Building on the momentum of its previous four editions, NAFF V continues its tradition of excellence, blending policy dialogue, technical knowledge, and cultural celebration in a way that’s uniquely Indigenous and profoundly impactful.

Set against a backdrop of cultural pride and community resilience, NAFF V is more than a conference it is a movement, empowering Indigenous voices at every level of the fisheries and aquaculture industry.

A Space for Dialogue, Collaboration, and Celebration

NAFF V is designed to foster meaningful exchange between Indigenous leaders and stakeholders from all corners of the industry. From grassroots fishers to international aquaculture experts, participants engage in dialogue that is honest, respectful, and forward-looking.

The event features a dynamic mix of:

Presentations from Indigenous fisheries and aquaculture leaders

Panels with policymakers, scientists, and economic development specialists

Workshops focused on skills-building, governance, and innovation

Cultural performances highlighting the unique heritage of Indigenous nations

Showcase dinner featuring traditional and contemporary Indigenous cuisine

Tradeshow spotlighting Indigenous-owned businesses and artists

This structure ensures that participants experience not only professional development but also cultural enrichment and community connection.

A National and International Gathering with Purpose

One of NAFF V’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring together a truly diverse and influential audience. Attendees represent First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, as well as government agencies, non-profits, private sector companies, and international organizations. Each voice brings unique knowledge and lived experience, contributing to a holistic vision for the future of Indigenous fisheries and aquaculture.

Key sectors represented at NAFF V include:

Indigenous Fisheries Management Organizations

Aquaculture Businesses and Co-operatives

Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Governments

Environmental and Ocean Research Institutes

Private and Multinational Seafood Companies

Education and Training Providers

This multi-sector approach facilitates long-term partnerships, promotes knowledge exchange, and strengthens national and global relationships rooted in mutual respect and shared goals.

Centering Indigenous Voices in Aquatic Stewardship

At its core, NAFF V is about recognizing and respecting Indigenous rights and responsibilities in the stewardship of aquatic ecosystems. For generations, Indigenous communities have protected waterways, practiced sustainable harvesting, and passed on knowledge through cultural teachings and lived practice.

Today, those same principles guide the modern Indigenous fisheries and aquaculture sector. NAFF V provides a space to share these teachings, while also integrating emerging technologies and policy frameworks that support Indigenous food sovereignty and economic self-determination.

Some of the topics explored include:

Indigenous-led marine conservation strategies

Nation-to-nation collaboration in fisheries governance

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in aquaculture operations

Rights-based approaches to fisheries access and regulation

Community-driven aquaculture development

Climate change resilience and adaptation in coastal regions

By blending ancestral knowledge with innovation, the Forum reaffirms that Indigenous leadership is not just relevant it’s essential for the health of global marine systems.

What Makes NAFF V a Must-Attend Event

Whether you're an Indigenous youth entering the field, an established business leader, or a government representative working toward reconciliation, NAFF V offers powerful, purpose-driven engagement opportunities.

Top reasons to attend:

1. Learn from Indigenous Leaders
Hear firsthand experiences from those shaping the future of Indigenous fisheries and aquaculture.

2. Build Strategic Partnerships
Connect with professionals across government, industry, and Indigenous communities.

3. Experience Cultural Richness
Enjoy ceremonies, performances, and food that reflect the heart and spirit of Indigenous nations.

4. Explore Innovation and Best Practices
Attend workshops and panels offering practical strategies, success stories, and new tools.

5. Support Indigenous Enterprises
Visit the tradeshow and regional artist booths to support Indigenous-owned businesses and creators.

A Forum That Celebrates Culture as Much as Commerce

Unlike traditional industry conferences, NAFF V places culture at the center. The cultural performances and showcase dinner are not just side events they are essential parts of the Forum’s identity. These moments provide space to honour Indigenous traditions, reconnect with heritage, and ground industry work in values of community and reciprocity.

Delegates will be treated to:

Traditional music and dance from participating Indigenous nations

Ceremonial welcomes and blessings

Storytelling sessions that connect past, present, and future

Cuisine prepared by Indigenous chefs, blending ancestral knowledge with modern flair

These experiences serve to deepen relationships among participants, reinforcing the understanding that success in fisheries and aquaculture must also be rooted in cultural integrity.

Tradeshow and Artist Showcase: Supporting Indigenous Business

Throughout the four-day event, a vibrant tradeshow will run alongside the main program. This space features Indigenous entrepreneurs, fisheries co-ops, aquaculture technology vendors, and regional artists showcasing Indigenous excellence across multiple sectors.

Expect to find:

Equipment and services supporting aquaculture operations

Indigenous-owned seafood processing businesses

Environmental monitoring and data tools

Artistic creations rooted in traditional designs and stories

Career and training opportunities from Indigenous organizations

This blend of commerce, culture, and innovation reinforces the strength and diversity of the Indigenous economy.

Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Indigenous Leadership

As environmental challenges mount and global seafood demand rises, Indigenous communities continue to demonstrate how land and water stewardship can go hand-in-hand with economic development. NAFF V is a beacon for those seeking a path forward one that respects treaties, affirms sovereignty, and ensures that Indigenous peoples continue to lead in the spaces they have occupied and cared for since time immemorial.

The Forum is not just about solving today’s problems. It’s about envisioning a future where Indigenous knowledge, rights, and governance are central to healthy aquatic systems worldwide.

Join the Conversation, Strengthen the Movement

NAFF V is more than a conference. It’s a celebration of resilience, wisdom, and innovation in Indigenous fisheries and aquaculture. As the industry evolves, this event ensures Indigenous peoples are not just included but leading the way.

For anyone working at the intersection of fisheries, aquaculture, and Indigenous rights, this is a must-attend gathering. With its powerful programming, vibrant community, and unwavering focus on Indigenous priorities, NAFF V continues to set the standard for how inclusive, impactful, and future-oriented an industry forum can be.