Decision making with regards to new project proposals and new processes undertaken by the NCSFNSS currently takes place in two ways. First, Board Members at a NCSFNSS Board meeting are free to propose an activity or project to the Board for consideration. The Board can then ask NCSFNSS staff to carry out research on the proposed activity and report back to the NCSFNSS Board for a decision. Secondly, NCSFNSS staff and/ or members of SSHARC can propose an activity at a SSHARC meeting. That proposed activity may then be placed on a future NCSFNSS Board Meeting agenda for consideration.
How We Work
1. Board of Directors
The NCSFNSS is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the elected Chief Councilor of each of the four member First Nations. The Board of Directors sets direction, establishes policy and reflects the interests of the member Nations. Staff conducts research and provides technical advice to the NCSFNSS Board of Directors for consideration. Subsequently, staff implements the direction as received from the NCSFNSS Board of directors.
2. Aboriginal Rights and Title
The political and legal landscape regarding First Nations Aboriginal Rights and Title in Canada is an evolving branch of Constitutional Law. Occasionally, ongoing processes and projects involving the NCSFNSS have the potential to impact issues related to Aboriginal Rights and Title. Since Aboriginal Rights and Title questions belong with the individual member and partner Nations, staff reports potential issues to the NCSFNSS Board of Directors for consideration and direction on how to proceed.
3. Technical Body
The NCSFNSS convenes a Technical Committee – the Stewardship Society Habitat and Aquatic Resources Committee (SSHARC) – comprised of NCSFNSS staff and the Fisheries Managers from each member and partner Nation. SSHARC has monthly meetings that serve as a forum for information exchange and discussion. NCSFNSS provides policy and technical support to SSHARC members and the committee provides expertise and technical guidance on NCSFNSS processes and projects. SSHARC also assists in the development of new project proposals for review by the Board of Directors.
