PROJECTS & PARTNERSHIPS
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Climate Change: Its Impact on Atlantic Indigenous Economic Development, and How to Respond/Adapt
Project Overview:
Pokiok Associates is launching a new research project in partnership with the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs (APC) to examine how climate change impacts economic development in Atlantic First Nations communities. The project combines literature reviews, interviews with Atlantic First Nation communities, Indigenous economic development organizations, and researchers within the Atlantic/Gaspe region. Through this process, the team will identify the key risks, challenges, and opportunities climate change poses for Indigenous economies. The project outcome will be to develop a community-informed final report with actionable recommendations that support First Nations in preparing for, adapting to, and mitigating the economic impacts of climate change.
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Engagement on Ecologically Significant Areas Framework - Eastern Workshop
Project Overview:
In February 2025, Pokiok Associates planned and facilitated the Eastern Ecologically Significant Areas (ESA) Workshop in Millbrook First Nation, located in Nova Scotia. The workshop brought together First Nations communities and organizations from across Eastern Canada to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for policy development to advance the identification, establishment, and management of ESAs. Over three days, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on ESA identification, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), establishment, funding, capacity building, monitoring and co-governance. Pokiok Associates reviewed the shared insights and developed nine key recommendations to guide ESA planning and implementation, which have been presented as a Final Report.
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Commercial Fishery Monitoring Research Project
Project Overview:
This project assessed fisheries monitoring practices and policies to support Atlantic First Nations’ participation in implementing the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' (DFO) Fishery Monitoring Policy. The project involved a literature review of existing monitoring tools, DFO policy documentation, and engagement with key players from Commercial Fisheries Enterprises and AAROM bodies. The engagement for this project occurred through group discussions at APC’s Fisheries Conference in Moncton, where participants shared insights on current monitoring challenges, priorities, and capacity needs. The outcome included a Final Report outlining community perspectives, key recommendations to guide policy implementation, and an outreach strategy to support APC and its member communities in future policy engagement with DFO.
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Development of a Curriculum for Mentors and Mentees for the Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium
Project Overview:
The Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium (NFMTC) had identified barriers impeding current and prospective Inuit harvesters from growing and moving into senior positions within the offshore fisheries that a mentoring program could alleviate. In the Fall of 2023, Pokiok Associates and Trinav Fisheries Consultants (TFC) entered a partnership to develop a mentoring curriculum to train individuals to mentors and mentee harvesters to help them learn and grow within the fishing industry and support their career advancement. The curriculum is currently being implemented in a pilot mentoring program with participants from NFMTC member fishing companies. Upon completion of the pilot program, Pokiok Associates and TFC will evaluate it and make recommendations for a full mentoring program that will work for both the participants and fishing companies. The NFMTC will offer the module as part of the regular training for Nunavut fishers.
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Indigenous Ocean Business Forum
Project Overview:
In November 2024, Pokiok Associates, in collaboration with Canada's Ocean Supercluster, planned and facilitated the Indigenous Ocean Business Forum held at Ottawa's National Arts Centre. This forum brought together Indigenous organizations, industry leaders, researchers, and government officials from across Canada to discuss Indigenous-led approaches in ocean innovation and sustainability.
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Project Overview:
Pokiok Associates works closely with Miawpukek Horizon to support and plan youth expeditions aboard the Oqwatnukewey Eleke'wi'ji'jit (Polar Prince) vessel. These expeditions create opportunities for First Nation youth to explore marine career pathways, gain hands-on experience, and connect with Indigenous-led ocean science and training initiatives.
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British Columbia Indigenous Entrepreneurship Opportunities and Recommendations in the Kelp Industry
Project Overview:
In collaboration with Indigenous partners, this project aimed to identify and address entrepreneurship priorities in kelp aquaculture and farming in British Columbia (BC). The research investigated existing kelp aquaculture nationwide, potential industry partnerships, legislative restrictions in BC, and funding opportunities. The findings informed a Final Report with recommendations, including alignment strategies for Indigenous communities, which have been presented to the Ocean Startup Project, South Island Prosperity Partnership, and Indigenous Prosperity Centre. This project will open new opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurship in the kelp industry, leading to economic growth and community development.