As a member of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Fisheries Committee, I had the honour to welcome Chiefs, technicians, and AFN staff from across Canada to Corner Brook last week. For many, it was their first visit to the island, and I was proud to host them and show them around our beautiful territory.

Over our three days together, we reviewed the committee’s strategic plan and reaffirmed our commitment to proactive stewardship. At the heart of that work is the integration of traditional knowledge and science to support informed decision-making.

Our work strives to maintain our right to access traditional foods, which means sustaining our stocks through responsible harvesting so that our children and grandchildren can continue to benefit from what our ancestors passed down.

Our discussion extended to the future of our economies and how environmentally responsible, community-led wealth creation can support our people without compromising who we are.

These priorities are reflected across the full range of our water ecosystems, from offshore to inland and from eels to seals. Our committee works with AFN staff to bring issues to the Chiefs in Assembly. When these issues are supported, we enable the AFN Executive to raise our concerns with all levels of government and advocate for the protection of our resources for generations to come.

I am proud to serve as a member of the National Fisheries Committee. Each time we meet, whether virtually or in person, we learn from one another and deepen our understanding of our respective communities. I am grateful to everyone who travelled here and contributed to these important conversations. Together, we are helping build a future in which our fisheries remain strong, our rights are upheld, and our communities continue to thrive.