The National Indigenous Fisheries Institute will host the Fifth National Indigenous Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum (NAFF V) in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia from October 20-23, 2025.
NAFF V will build off of the successes of the first four conferences. We will be joined by influential leaders across the Indigenous fisheries and aquaculture industry, representatives from various departments and across all levels of government, international leaders in private and multinational sectors, and more across this four-day event.
In addition to presentations, panels, and workshops; delegates will have the opportunity to join us for cultural performances and a showcase dinner while a robust tradeshow and regional Indigenous artists will be present throughout the event. And all while building national and international relationships.
To join our mailing list for up-to-date information on Forum registration and agenda information, please click here.
Where
Please join us in Kjipuktuk (Halifax) in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.
Halifax Convention Centre, Halifax, NS
*The Forum will also offer virtual participation
When
Our forum will take place over a 4 day period offering a variety of events. Find details of our agenda below.
October 20th through 23th, 2025
About NAFF
The National Indigenous Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum was established with a National Working Group in order to host information and workshop sessions across Canada in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
This national forum held an event in Halifax, NS in 2011 titled “The Business of Fisheries” followed by an event in Nanaimo, BC in late 2012 titled “Seize the Economic Opportunities”. Both of these forums were well attended with representation from across the country and the United States.
NAFF hosted the third event in May 2017 in Membertou, NS titled “Diversity, Integration and Leadership”. This event welcomed international participants from the State University of Sinaloa, Mexico, US Casino Food & Beverage, the John Nagle Co. and many others.
The fourth forum took place in Nanaimo, BC in October, 2023. It focused on shaping the future of Indigenous fisheries. Influential leaders across the Indigenous fisheries and aquaculture industry and government were present across this three-day event designed to highlight innovation in industry, emerging markets, government programming, the evolution of aquaculture, and more.
Each of these forums are designed to share and transfer knowledge and meet face to face with other individuals and organizations that have diversified and/or implemented successful strategies.
About NIFI
The National Indigenous Fisheries Institute (NIFI) is an Indigenous-led organization that focuses on fisheries management, science, and conservation within Indigenous communities.
NIFI promotes national consistency and standards across Indigenous programs and practises to maximize the benefits to communities.
The Institute was set up in May 2017 following the National Indigenous Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (formerly known as the National Aboriginal Fisheries Forum). The organization is rooted in the principle of collaboration between Indigenous groups and government: the co-development, co-design and co-delivery approach to improving the programs and practises that impact the lives of Indigenous peoples.
Our work began with Indigenous Program Review and the development of the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative. This was completed in May 2019 and formally accepted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the same time. In September 2019, the Department also released a publicly accessible Action Plan to respond to each of the recommendations put forth in the review.
The Institute now has a number of projects underway to support Indigenous Program Review Implementation and the delivery of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Action Plan.
Sponsorship Information
Contact Us
For inquiries about attending or participating in NAFF please contact us for more information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 902-483-4462
Join our mailing list for up-to-date information on the Forum registration and agenda.
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