Youth section
Summary
On February 11, 2021 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm EST, the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)’s Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management (AAROM) program held a national youth gathering to hear from Indigenous youth how they can be better supported in their aspirations to follow careers in fisheries, aquatic resources, and oceans science. The gathering took place on a platform allowing for youth to come together from coast to coast to coast. Twenty-two (22) youth registered with seven (7) attending the breakout sessions, some still in high school, some currently attending university in the field, some working in the field, and some working in the field with aspirations for continued studies.
The purpose of the virtual gathering was to have a forum for youth to learn about current AAROM program initiatives and convene and discuss whether these initiatives can help them meet their career aspirations. As well, identify what other future initiatives and meetings are needed to support them in pursuing careers in the fields of fisheries, aquatic resources, and oceans science.