First Nations
We know you’re excited about getting into shellfish aquaculture – and the CSR wants to encourage and support your efforts. However, we’ve learned the hard way that planning is critical to the success of any start-up operation. Starting and operating a successful shellfish aquaculture business takes time, money and commitment - much more is involved beyond obtaining a tenure and training a few individuals.
Before deciding which courses are right for your community, please contact the Shellfish Aquaculture Training Program Manager, who will assist you in determining where training fits into your organization’s needs.
Each First Nations community is encouraged to undergo a self assessment. The assessment will help identify potential areas of concern within the planning process for your community based shellfish operation. Some typical questions include:
- Does your community have the necessary leadership to guide the business?
- Does your community have a vision, a strategic plan and the necessary human resources and management in place?
- Has your community secured financing for the shellfish operation?
- Has the chief and council analyzed the business opportunities - are they familiar with the shellfish aquaculture industry? Are they willing to be part of the planning process? aquaculture industry? Are they willing to be part of the planning process?
The assessment is not intended to formulate a solution to problems within your organization, but rather give you awareness that perhaps further planning, training or technical assistance is required.
The Assessment Tool is under construction and will be available soon.
The CSR is pleased to offer First Nations organizations and communities a wide range of services to support the growth and development of successful shellfish aquaculture businesses. Please contact one our training staff.
First Nation Funding Opportunities
- Canadian Rural Partnership
- List of Funding Sources as provided by Community Futures
- Community Economic Development Programs (CEDP) and Community Economic Opportunities Program (CEOP) provided by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
- Vancity provides grants to various community organizations located in Greater Vancouver and parts of Vancouver Island
- Canadian International Development Agency - Indigenous Peoples Partnership Program
- The New Relationship Trust provides a wide variety of funding to First Nations in the areas of Education, Youth and Elders, Capacity, Culture & Language and Economic Development
- Coastal Opportunities Fund has been set up to manage and dispurse 2 - $60 million grants to First Nations in their project area.
- Coast Sustainability Trust has two funding programs available to First Nations and civic communities in the Central Coast, North Coast and the Queen Charlotte Islands/Haida Gwaii (the CST area), and to Not-for-Profit entities that have written support from one or more First Nations or civic communities in the CST area.
- Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund as supported by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)
- Employment Skill Access Program