The Cross-Pacific Indigenous Aquaculture Collaborative (formed in 2019) is a network of Indigenous Nations and placed-based communities throughout the Pacific region working together with Pacific-region Sea Grant programs and partnering organizations and educators from WA, BC, AK, Hawaii, Guam and other places in the Pacific basin who are working together to celebrate and reactivate Indigenous aquaculture.
What is Indigenous Aquaculture? These are cultivated biocultural ecosystems based on Indigenous knowledge and observations of land and water, developed over generations in reciprocal relationships with places. Examples include Coast Salish clam gardens and reef net salmon fishing, Tlingit intertidal stone fish traps, Native Hawaiian loko iʻa fishponds and loʻi kalo taro wetland complexes, among other techniques. These diverse mariculture systems have been honed over thousands of years with the purpose to create integrated and sustainable habitats for producing customary foods, as well as spaces that give context to spiritual, social and family connections, and cultural and ethical practices.
A Vision Committee of the Collaborative and is convening at Quadra Centre to outline a Strategic Vision for the next 5-10 years that builds upon the solidarity and vital momentum already underway to ensure strong place-based food security, regenerative community economies, ocean and community health, climate justice, and resilience of future generations.
Key Links and Resources:
- Indigenous Aquaculture Collaborative Website: https://indigenousaquaculture.org/
- Press Release: New story map unites sea gardens around the Pacific and shows the importance of revitalizing Indigenous mariculture practices for food sovereignty and resilience: https://wsg.washington.edu/new-story-map-unites-sea-gardens-around-the-pacific-and-shows-the-importance-of-revitalizing-indigenous-mariculture-practices-for-food-sovereignty-and-resilience/