The Government of Canada is committing more than $11.8 million that will support First Nations commercial fisheries enterprises for the benefit of Indigenous communities under the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI).

Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, Joyce Murray announced the investment that will focus on strengthening relationships with Indigenous nations on BC Central Coast through these programs.

“Through the PICFI program, we are committed to advancing Reconciliation with Indigenous communities,” Mister Murray said.

By providing funding for 117 participating First Nations, these investments help to support local Pacific commercial fisheries and to continue our Department’s work to build regenerative and prosperous fisheries in British Columbia.”

These PICFI investments will support new business and training opportunities and increased fisheries access for 31 Indigenous commercial fisheries companies representing 117 First Nations across British Columbia. The PICFI was co-developed, co-designed and co-delivered in collaboration with Indigenous partners.

This announcement comes on the heals of more than $150 million in investments in Indigenous fisheries, including $47 million in licence/quota acquisition, $2.8 million in acquisition of vessels, $6.6 million in training, $26 million in support of on-shore facilities and $4.8M in aquaculture and will create 880 annual jobs for First Nations harvesters and land-based workers according to a DFO press release.