• The Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) Framework was developed through an inclusive collaborative process that resulted from an internal DFO workshop (Workshop 1) in December 2019. The purpose of this first internal workshop was to discuss the development of a holistic ecosystem-based management framework, including ecological, social, cultural, governance and economic objectives to support decision making across DFO Sectors. The DFO EBM Working Group was formed as a result of this workshop. The WG met regularly during 2020 to develop next steps, including engagement with Indigenous Peoples.

• Initial efforts to engage with Indigenous Peoples began at a second EBM workshop, held in January of 2021 (Workshop 2). Invited participants included Elder Dr. Albert Marshall, who was invited to give a plenary presentation on Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing), Indigenous Peoples, external social scientists and DFO staff.  During the workshop it was noted that EBM implementation is a process. Identified next steps included engaging with interested First Nations communities (Nation to Nation) and organizations more directly in order to further develop Indigenous perspectives, objectives and/or knowledge within the Framework.

• Following this advice, an Indigenous information session was organised in collaboration with DFO Maritimes  Indigenous Relations and Partnerships Hub in July 2021. Fourteen representatives from First Nations communities and organizations participated. The Information session represented the beginning of dedicated engagement with First Nations communities and organizations. Next steps identified included engagement with interested First Nations communities and organizations to further develop Indigenous perspectives, objectives and/or knowledge systems within the Framework. Following advice received from this information session and other meetings, the DFO EBM Working Group (WG) members sought resources to support the engagement of Indigenous Peoples in the development of the EBM Framework.

• To support further involvement of Atlantic First Nations, a funding application was submitted to the Indigenous Policy Dialogue and Development Program (IPOD), an internal program, for a project named: Indigenous concepts, values objectives and knowledge and the Maritimes Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) Framework: an opportunity for Etuaptmumk?

• In addition to the IPOD project, other efforts have begun to further support the exploration of Indigenous concepts and ways of being as they relate, or not, to the EBM Framework. In the Summer of 2023, a presentation was given to the DFO  Atlantic Indigenous Employee Network (IEN) to share the EBM work, elicit feedback and gauge interest (Box 3). Advice from the IEN – Atlantic on next steps is pending (as of December 2023).

• The EBM Working Group (WG) continues to work with the DFO Maritimes Indigenous Relations & Partnerships Hub and DFO Maritimes Region Indigenous Relations and Partnerships Hub (IRP) Community of Practice on an ongoing basis. A representative from the DFO Maritimes Indigenous Relations and Partnerships Hub is also a EBM Working Group Member.

PRESENTATIONS