Fisheries Act updates and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples

Learn how the modernized Fisheries Act supports reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

What’s changed in the Fisheries Act

The modernized Fisheries Act makes clear that the Act is meant to uphold the rights of the Indigenous peoples of Canada. It also requires consideration of:

• adverse effects of decisions on the rights of Indigenous peoples of Canada when making decisions under the Fisheries Act
• Indigenous knowledge for habitat decisions and provides for the confidentiality of Indigenous knowledge

It also enables:

• the consideration of Indigenous knowledge for those non-habitat related decisions made under the Act
• agreements with Indigenous governing bodies and bodies established under land claim agreements to carry out the purpose of the Act, including the possibility of recognizing that Fisheries Act regulations are equivalent to laws of Indigenous governing bodies
• the creation of advisory panels, which may include Indigenous representation
• new regulation-making authority that would enable the Minister to issue leases or licences for a period greater than 9 years

Partnering with Indigenous peoples

To support changes to the Fisheries Act, we introduced a modernized fish and fish habitat protection program. Through this revitalized program, we encourage Indigenous peoples to participate and partner in:

• monitoring
• project reviews
• national policy development

We continue to work closely with Indigenous groups to:

• put these changes into effect
• provide opportunities for interested communities to participate in the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat

Related information

• Protecting biodiversity and addressing threats
• Supporting independent fishers
• Protecting fish and fish habitat
• Better management of projects
• Restoring habitat and rebuilding fish stocks