Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program

The Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program (AIHP) provides funding to Aboriginal groups in the inland provinces - Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec - to enhance participation in the collaborative long-term management of fish habitat.

Expected outcomes

The Program aims to encourage new partnerships among Aboriginal groups, and to build on existing working relationships. One of the anticipated outcomes is better, more informed decisions about the management of fish habitat.

Developing long-term capacity in fish habitat management

AIHP provides funding to support Aboriginal groups in their efforts to develop long-term capacity to manage fish habitat by:

• encouraging communication and collaboration among communities that share a common watershed;
• supporting Aboriginal communities' understanding and priorities for fish habitat management;
• supporting the training and professional development of new or existing staff; and
• partnering with other government departments and industry to share resources and build capacity.

Why was this Program developed?

This Program was developed to respond to a number of issues identified during discussions on the renewal of the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy, which include:

• Aboriginal groups are seeking greater participation in decision-making processes used for aquatic resource and oceans management;
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada's expanding responsibilities require engaging with Aboriginal groups on a broad range of issues, including oceans management, habitat management and planning, environmental assessment and species at risk; and
• existing Aboriginal programming is focused on fisheries management, limiting the Department's ability to respond effectively to the evolving aspirations of Aboriginal people.
   

For more information, please contact:

Drew Stonehouse
Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program Manager
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6
Ph: 905-336-4821
Fax: 905-336-6285
drew.stonehouse@dfo-mpo.gc.ca