Washing sockeye at Tahltan – by Kerry Carlick.
The 2010 All Chiefs Task Force recommended FNFC to coordinate BC First Nations’ political and technical capacity and develop a cohesive and united voice among BC First Nations. FNFC's approach is to convene First Nations, listen to their priorities and perspectives, and help clearly articulate their shared messaging to decision makers. These structures and processes support coherent messaging to the government.
Our mandate
Our mandate was given to us by BC First Nations through the BC First Nations Fisheries Action Plan (2007), ratified by the participants at the 2009 Fall Fisheries Assembly in Nanaimo BC, and endorsed by resolution of the BC Assembly of First Nations, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and the First Nations Summit. It is a shared vision on how to effectively achieve progress on First Nations’ goals and priorities, and create transformative change in Pacific fisheries.
Council delegates
Our Council is appointed by First Nations communities and organizations from 14 geographic regions. Our regional model was designed by First Nations to reflect the diversity in ecology, cultures, expertise, fisheries practices, and perspectives across the province. Each member of the council is a strong ambassador connecting people in their region to the conversation on fisheries issues of common interest for all First Nations in BC. Together, the council helps create a strong, coherent First Nations voice throughout the province of BC.
Hugh Braker
President, WEST COAST VANCOUVER ISLAND
John Henderson
Vice-President, NORTH VANCOUVER ISLAND
Thomas Alexis
Secretary-Treasurer, UPPER FRASER
Ken Malloway
FRASER VALLEY
Greg Witzky
MID-FRASER (1)
Larry George
SOUTH VANCOUVER ISLAND
Stu Barnes
UPPER SKEENA
Herb Alex
TRANSBOUNDARY COLUMBIA
Vacant
HAIDA GWAII
Brian Holmes
MID FRASER (2)
Vacant
CENTRAL COAST
Richard Sparrow
LOWER MAINLAND
Vacant
NORTHERN TRANSBOUNDARY
Penny White
NORTH COAST
FNFC office and staff
We have a dedicated team of over 26 dedicated full-time professionals who work from our office located in the Territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations in Vancouver. Our team’s diverse skill set has supported FNFC’s significant growth since its early days, allowing us to steadily broaden the scope of our work to support First Nations capacity and collaboration.
PIR – Partnerships & Intergovernmental Relations
Astrid Niemann-Zajac
Sr. Manager, Partnerships & Intergovernmental Relations
Courtney Halvorson
Manager, Marine and Coastal Management
Brooklyn Carey
Manager, Partnerships
Rebeka MacDonald
Coordinator, Partnerships & Intergovernmental Relations
Vacant
Manager, Government Relationships
Megan Stewart
Coordinator, Marine and Coastal Management
HEP – Habitat & Environmental Protections
Jacquelyne Fitchell
Sr. Manager, Habitat & Environmental Protections
Vacant
Manager, Project
Jenna Duncan
Manager, First Nations Fisheries Legacy Fund
Madison Rattai
Coordinator, Habitat & Environmental Protections
Valerie Zimmermann
Coordinator, First Nations Fisheries Legacy Fund
First Nations in BC
There are over 200 First Nations communities in BC, each with a distinct culture, identity, and connection to their lands and waters.
