Indigenous Seafood Conference

03feb(feb 3)8:00 am05(feb 5)3:00 pmIndigenous Seafood Conference

Event Details

Indigenous Seafood Conference 2026 – *Contact us to join the WAITLIST*

The Indigenous Seafood Conference, co-hosted by the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC), the Ha’oom Fisheries Society (HFS), and the Native Fishing Association (NFA), brings together stakeholders within the seafood industry to foster connection, knowledge sharing, and advocacy. The conference will take place February 3–5, 2026, at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville. It provides a collaborative space where industry experts and participants can exchange insights, address challenges, and explore opportunities to strengthen local fisheries and food systems.

This year’s program features a skippers-only session, offering a dedicated space to connect, share challenges and successes, and build mentorship relationships. Participants will explore cross-training opportunities and exchange practical strategies for developing successful, sustainable, and community-focused operations, including key aspects of business and vessel management.

The broader conference program will cover topics identified through participant feedback, including regulations and policy updates, sustainability and environmental stewardship, marketing and selling catch, strengthening local food systems, certifications, infrastructure for bringing fish to market, and fishing access. The full agenda is being finalized and will be made available once confirmed.

There is no cost for Indigenous participants to attend this conference. Travel reimbursements, accommodations, and meals will be provided.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT

Time

February 3, 2026 8:00 am - February 5, 2026 3:00 pm(GMT-08:00)

RSVP to This Event

RSVPing is closed at this time.

Speakers for this event

  • Alan Thompson

    President

    St. Jean's Cannery

  • Alli Cheng

    Senior Manager, Tax Services

    Doane Grant Thornton LLP

  • Andrew Boogards

    Business Services Officer

    Nuu-Chah-Nulth Economic Development Corporation

  • Andy Olson

    CEO/Founder

    Indigenous Fishers First

  • Andy Webster

    Coastal Fisher & Fisheries Advocate

  • Archie Little

    Chair, Board of Directors

    Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC)

  • Arthur Black

    Owner

    Marlson Industries

  • Arthur Black Sr.

    Owner

    Marlson Industries

  • Ash Peters

    Seafood Manager

    Thrifty's Foods, Safeway & Sobeys West

  • Bruce Williams

    Facilitator

    Spark Strategic Group

  • Chris Hamblin

    Meat Director

    Country Grocer

  • Christine Hunt

    Advocate

  • Clayton Betker

    Service Manager - ABM Match

    CELT Industries

  • Cliff Atleo

    Elder Advisor

    First Nations Health Council

  • Connie Crocker

    First Nations Liaison

    Kelp Rescue Initiative

  • Craig Cavin

    Operations Director South Island | Ownership

    Country Grocer

  • d'Art Newton

    Partner - ABM Match

    Wisdom Circle Collective

  • Daphane Nelson

    CFE Manager

    Kwakiutl Nation Development Corporation

  • Derek Lamb

    Partner - ABM Match

    Chan Nowosad Boates

  • Desiree Baker

    Owner - ABM Match

    REV Consulting

  • Elder Matias

    Partner - ABM Match

    Mighty Raven Technology

  • Errol Sam

    Ahousaht Nation Fisher & Community Leader

    Ahousaht First Nation

  • Fiona MacRaild

    Executive Director

    Native Fishing Association (NFA)

  • Hudson Savey

    Fisher

    Ha'oom Fisheries Society

  • Ian Tostenson

    President & CEO

    BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association

  • James LaFlamme

    Fisheries Manager

    Tseshaht First Nation

  • Jamie Podmorow

    Business Development Manager - ABM Match

    CanScribe College

  • Jennifer Gallic

    Business Development Officer

    NEDC

  • Jennifer Gidora

    Operations Manager

    Finest At Sea Ocean Products

  • Joey Ewing

    Vice President and General Manager

    Finest At Sea

  • Katrin Harry

    Managing Partner

    Advanced Business Match (ABM)

  • Kayla Savey

    Business Manager

    Ha'oom Fisheries Society

  • Lauren Dean

    Trade and Stewardship Officer

    Ha'oom Fisheries Society

  • Les Sam

    Owner

    Les Sam Construction

  • Lesley France

    Senior Manager, Assurance Services

    Doane Grant Thornton LLP

  • Marc Peeler

    Owner

    Confidence Fishing Company

  • Mark J. Duiven

    Executive Director

    National Indigenous Fisheries Institute

  • Mark Lewis

    Board Chair

    Native Fishing Association

  • Nicole Patterson

    Seafood Operations Manager

    Country Grocer

  • Rosemary Georgeson

    Artist/Film Maker/Storyteller

  • Ryan Cutler

    Project Manager

    Cando

  • Shaelynne Bood

    Confidence Fishing Company

  • Stevie Dennis

    Owner

    Naas Foods

  • Wally Samuel

    Co-Chair, Board of Directors

    Ha'oom Fisheries Society

  • Wayne Sparrow

    Chief

    Musqueam Indian Band

  • William Gladstone Sr.

    King Charles III Coronation Medal Recipient

Schedule

    • Day 1
    • Day 2
    • Day 3
    • February 3, 2026
    • 8:00amNative Fishing Association: Skippers Session8:00am - 4:30pm
      Speakers
      Alli ChengChief Brent EdwardsClayton BetkerCraig FisztnerFiona MacRaildLesley FranceMark Lewis
    • 5:30pmDoors Open to the Ballroom for Welcome Dinner5:30pm - 8:00pm
      Speakers
      Archie LittleCliff AtleoWally SamuelWilliam Gladstone Sr.
    • February 4, 2026
    • 8:00amBreakfast Buffet Opens8:00am - 8:30am
    • 9:00amOpening Remarks9:00am - 9:10am
      Speakers
      Mark Lewis
    • 9:15amGenerations on the Water9:15am - 10:15am
      Speakers
      Christine HuntMarc PeelerShaelynne Bood
    • 10:15amBreak10:15am - 10:30am
    • 10:30amTools, Technology & Innovation in Indigenous Fishing10:30am - 12:00pm
      Speakers
      Andy OlsonArthur BlackMark J. DuivenRyan Cutler
    • 12:00pmLunch12:00pm - 1:00pm
    • 1:00pmSeafood in the Marketplace: Retail & Manufacturing1:00pm - 2:15pm
      Speakers
      Alan ThompsonAsh PetersChris HamblinCraig CavinIan TostensonJennifer GidoraNicole Patterson
    • 2:15pmBreak2:15pm - 2:30pm
    • 2:30pmHonoring the Contributions of Women in the Fishing Industry2:30pm - 3:30pm
      Speakers
      Connie CrockerKayla SaveyLauren DeanRosemary GeorgesonShaelynne Bood
    • 3:30pmAdvanced Business Match (ABM)3:30pm - 5:30pm
      Speakers
      Andrew BoogardsClayton BetkerDerek LambDesiree BakerElder MatiasJamie PodmorowKatrin Harry
    • February 5, 2026
    • 8:00amBreakfast Buffet Opens8:00am - 8:30am
    • 9:00amWelcome and Day 2 Recap9:00am - 9:10am
      Speakers
      Bruce Williams
    • 9:10amFrom Agreements to Action: Navigating Indigenous Seafood Export9:10am - 10:15am
      Speakers
      Joey EwingStephen DennisWayne Sparrow
    • 10:15amBreak10:15am - 10:30am
    • 10:30amOpportunties for Growth & Partnership10:30am - 12:00pm
      Speakers
      Daphane NelsonFiona MacRaildJames LaFlammeJennifer GallicLauren Dean
    • 12:00pmLunch12:00pm - 1:00pm
    • 1:00pmStrategies for Success/Adding Value to Your Catch1:00pm - 2:30pm
      Speakers
      Andy WebsterErrol SamHudson SaveyLes Sam
    • 2:30pmClosing Remarks2:30pm - 2:45pm
      Speakers
      Mark LewisWally Samuel
    • 3:00pmConference Ends3:00pm - 3:00pm
      Speakers
      Bruce Williams

Get Directions