Perspectives and Experiences of Fisheries Professionals Working for Indigenous Fishery Agencies on the Laurentian Great Lakes

Abstract

The health of fish and water is of utmost importance for Indigenous Peoples yet Indigenous voice and wisdom continue to be marginalized in decision-making about water resources. This is problematic given that interconnected aquatic ecosystems require collaboration, alongside legal and ethical imperatives to involve Indigenous Peoples in decisions that uphold their rights. This thesis employs a case study of fisheries decision-making on the Laurentian Great Lakes where multijurisdictional collaboration emerged in response to widespread damages caused by the invasive sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus. Drawing on interviews with fisheries professionals working for Indigenous fishery agencies we provide insight into the challenges and opportunities of fisheries co-management.We find that collaboration can be impacted by individual to institutional to system levels. Overall, the equitable involvement of Indigenous voice and wisdom in decision-making can move us together and further along a pathway of reconciliation and commitment to healthy water resources.iii Dedication and AcknowledgementsFor my dad, from whom I have learned so much This work would not have been possible without the incredible support of many people. First, to the participants in this research: I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from your insights.