Chiefs in Assembly established 14 regions informed by Indigenous linguistic groupings, creating a structure for FNFC to build collaboration across Nations. Each region appoints a delegate, forming the Regional Delegates that make up the FNFC.
In 2010, First Nations identified the need to move from fragmented voices toward coherent, cohesive messaging. In response, FNFC established collaborative structures and a formal engagement model that brings together regional perspectives, builds consensus and advances a collective voice on matters of province-wide importance.
The First Nations Fisheries Council of BC (FNFC) opens its first office at Park Royal in West Vancouver, marking the beginning of a dedicated space to support First Nations fisheries work across BC.
FNFC formalizes a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the First Nations Leadership Council during the Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Penticton.
The AGA becomes an important annual gathering for First Nations leaders and community representatives across the province.
FNFC begins working closely with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) at the national level to help inform key Indigenous fisheries programs, including:
These programs support First Nations’ participation and leadership in fisheries and aquatic resource management.
DFO partners with FNFC to support the launch of the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI).
This program helps First Nations expand their participation in commercial fisheries across the Pacific region.
A major decline in Pacific salmon populations prompts national action, leading to the launch of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI).
In response, FNFC partners with the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) to develop the Pacific Salmon Action Dialogue Series (PSADs), a multi-year initiative convening Indigenous leaders, governments and International experts to coordinate recovery efforts.
In 2022, ISF launched its first Save Our Salmon Golf Tournament, an annual event created to raise awareness and grow its network of partners.
The tournament brings together First Nations, partners, and environmental supporters to build relationships and mobilize collective action toward a protected and sustainable environment.
Funding granted to First Nations across BC for environmental projects in 2025
The BC First Nations Fisheries Action Plan, developed through province-wide First Nations dialogue, outlined six key themes for fisheries governance. It also mandated the creation of FNFC to advance a coordinated, Nation-led approach to stewardship across the province.
Chiefs in Assembly established 14 regions informed by Indigenous linguistic groupings, creating a structure for FNFC to build collaboration across Nations. Each region appoints a delegate, forming the Regional Delegates that make up the FNFC.
The First Nations Fisheries Council of BC (FNFC) opens its first office at Park Royal in West Vancouver, marking the beginning of a dedicated space to support First Nations fisheries work across BC.
FNFC formalizes a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the First Nations Leadership Council during the Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Penticton.
The AGA becomes an important annual gathering for First Nations leaders and community representatives across the province.
FNFC releases its first three-year strategic plan. This plan establishes how FNFC works, including:
FNFC begins working closely with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) at the national level to help inform key Indigenous fisheries programs, including:
These programs support First Nations’ participation and leadership in fisheries and aquatic resource management.
DFO partners with FNFC to support the launch of the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI).
This program helps First Nations expand their participation in commercial fisheries across the Pacific region.
A major decline in Pacific salmon populations prompts national action, leading to the launch of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI).
In response, FNFC partners with the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) to develop the Pacific Salmon Action Dialogue Series (PSADs), a multi-year initiative convening Indigenous leaders, governments and International experts to coordinate recovery efforts.
In 2022, ISF launched its first Save Our Salmon Golf Tournament, an annual event created to raise awareness and grow its network of partners.
The tournament brings together First Nations, partners, and environmental supporters to build relationships and mobilize collective action toward a protected and sustainable environment.
With growing demand and recognition, ISF significantly expanded its reach, granting over $1 million in a single year to First Nations across the province. The volume of applications, exceeding $18 million in requests, highlighted the urgent need for increased funding.
In 2009, Chiefs in Assembly established regions informed by Indigenous linguistic regions in British Columbia (BC). First Nations within each region appoint a regional delegate to become a member of the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC). In total, the FNFC is composed of up to 14 members, each serving as a regional delegate. Out of the 14 delegates, three get appointed to serve as ISF Board members.
Explore the image to learn more about each of the regions in British Columbia, as well as each delegate from the regions forming the FNFC.
There are over 200 First Nations communities across British Columbia, each with distinct cultures, priorities and connections to their lands and waters. With over 15 years of experience convening First Nations to align priorities, bridge perspectives and strengthen a coherent voice, FNFC has developed a three-step engagement model:
1. Convene: FNFC invites First Nations communities and organizations to gather and share their regional perspectives and expertise. FNFC also facilitates discussions and provide analysis where needed.
2. Elicit: FNFC and First Nations participants listen to the diverse regional viewpoints brought to the table and help create consensus on shared priorities and interests to support coherent advice.
3. Distill: FNFC gathers shared perspectives into reports and recommendations that provide a coherent message with broad support to inform leadership and government decision-making.
