Indigenous Leadership: A Living History of Stewardship Across Canada’s Waters

Across Canada’s vast coastlines—Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic—Indigenous communities are not just participants in aquaculture; they are its original stewards. Today, through bold ownership moves and deep-rooted traditional knowledge, First Nations are redefining aquaculture in ways that honour history, protect ecosystems, and empower communities.

Before colonization and modern industry, Indigenous Peoples on both coasts practiced sustainable aquatic resource management for millennia. In British Columbia, Nations such as the Kwakwaka’wakw, Haida, and Nuu-chah-nulth engineered sophisticated aquaculture systems—clam gardens—by building intertidal rock walls to expand habitat and increase productivity. These gardens, dating back over 3,500 years, enhanced food security, biodiversity, and coastal resilience.

On the East Coast, Mi’kmaq and Maliseet communities harvested shellfish and cultivated coastal species in tune with seasonal cycles and ecosystem dynamics, guided by the principle of Netukulimk—a concept of harvesting only what is needed, while ensuring the health of the environment for future generations.

Fast forward to today, and these ancestral values are guiding modern aquaculture initiatives across the country.

In 2020–21, a coalition of 7 Mi’kmaq First Nations made history by acquiring a 50% ownership stake in Clearwater Seafoods, one of North America’s largest shellfish producers. It was the single largest investment ever made by an Indigenous group in Canada’s seafood industry. But more than a transaction, it marked the return of stewardship—restoring access to offshore fisheries and embedding Mi’kmaq leadership, employment, and environmental ethics into a major corporate player. This alliance brings Netukulimk into the boardroom, reshaping how seafood is sourced, shared, and sustained.

On the West Coast, more than 20 First Nations have formal aquaculture agreements within their territories. These partnerships—some in shellfish farming, others in salmon—generate jobs, revenues, and ecological co-management systems that reflect a blend of Indigenous science and western frameworks. Notable among these are the Ahousaht, K’ómoks, Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw, and Nuu-chah-nulth Nations, who are leading innovative aquaculture projects in salmon farming, oyster cultivation, and even FLUPSY (Floating Upweller Systems) technology for hatchery-reared shellfish.

Today’s Indigenous leaders are continuing a legacy of thousands of years. These current initiatives are a beautiful blend of age-old philosophies with current industry trends, bringing together sustainability & technological advancement. Indigenous co-governance is leading to more inclusive, locally grounded and environmentally responsible aquaculture across Canada. Going beyond consultation, these partnerships reflect leadership and cultural revival. Indigenous stewardship is once again shaping how we feed the world – sustainably, respectfully & together.