The Government of Canada respects, appreciates, and relies on the traditional knowledge and expertise of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities, in order to protect our coasts and waterways. Indigenous Peoples have been safeguarding Canada’s waters for generations and their partnership in the Oceans Protection Plan is a critical element of Canada’s marine transportation system.
Most requested
Contributors
Actions being taken
Renewing the Marine Training Program
Raising awareness of, and access to, training and job opportunities for underrepresented groups in the marine sector, such as women, Indigenous Peoples, Northerners, and Inuit.
Expanding Marine Dialogue Forums
Marine Dialogue Forums are expanding beyond the west coast to other regions in Canada. These Forums are opportunities for stakeholders and Indigenous communities to provide ongoing input into the Oceans Protection Plan.
Expanding the Enhanced Marine Situational Awareness Program
A marine situational awareness information system that involves working with Indigenous and coastal communities to enhance marine safety and environmental protection.
Renewing the Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Program
Providing funding to Indigenous communities for emergency response vessels or equipment required to participate in the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Continuing the Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection
In the spirit of reconciliation, the Government of Canada and several British Columbia First Nations have signed a collaborative agreement to manage, restore and protect the Pacific North Coast.
Renewing the Community Participation Funding Program
Funding support to help eligible local and Indigenous communities and organizations take part in developing Canada’s marine system.
Expanding Indigenous search and rescue training
Providing marine search and rescue training opportunities to Indigenous communities
What is the Salish Sea Strategy?
Consultations with Indigenous communities and stakeholders on transportation issues, transportation and supply chain improvements, impact assessment reviews in the Salish Sea.
Building community-based partnerships for wildlife monitoring
Co-developing Indigenous-led monitoring programs and training on marine birds to build capacity and gather essential information for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
Stronger proactive vessel management
Finding solutions to improve marine safety and environmental protection in shared local and regional waterways by working with Indigenous partners, the shipping industry, and other users.
Community Hydrography
A program supporting coastal communities to collect and use bathymetric data and information for their own community purposes.