If your Indigenous community or organization is involved in commercial, food, social, or ceremonial fishing, the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS) can be a key source of federal funding. Delivered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), AFS supports Indigenous participation in fisheries through negotiated agreements, training, and operational support. Many applicants find it challenging to understand which activities are eligible and how the application process works in practice.
The Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy is a long-standing federal program that supports Indigenous communities’ access to fisheries and capacity to manage fishing activities. It is administered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and usually operates through contribution agreements rather than one-time grants. Funding is non-repayable and tied to approved activities and reporting requirements.
Unlike open, competitive grant programs, AFS funding is often negotiated directly between DFO and eligible Indigenous groups, usually on an annual or multi-year basis.
Eligibility is limited and specific. AFS is not open to the general public or private businesses.
You may be eligible if you are:
Eligibility is determined by DFO regional offices and is based on recognition, mandate, and alignment with fisheries objectives. Individual fishers or non-Indigenous corporations are not eligible to apply directly.
AFS funding supports a wide range of fisheries-related activities. Approved activities depend on your agreement with DFO, but commonly include:
Funding amounts are not fixed. The level of support depends on the scope of activities, regional priorities, and negotiated agreements with DFO.
There is no single online intake form for AFS. The process is relationship-based and regionally managed.
Typical steps include:
Contact your DFO regional office
Start discussions early with your regional DFO fisheries officer.
Define your fisheries objectives
Outline the activities, timelines, and community outcomes you are seeking funding for.
Develop a proposal or work plan
DFO will guide you on required documentation, budgets, and performance measures.
Negotiate a contribution agreement
Approved funding is formalized through a contribution agreement with reporting obligations.
Implement and report
Funded activities must follow the agreement terms, including financial and activity reporting.
Approval timelines vary by region and complexity of the agreement.
You can also use GrantHub’s eligibility matcher to identify other Indigenous and fisheries-related funding programs that may complement AFS support.
Assuming AFS is an open grant program
AFS funding is negotiated. Submitting unsolicited proposals without DFO engagement often leads to delays.
Including ineligible costs
General business expenses not tied to fisheries activities are usually not approved.
Weak governance or unclear mandate
DFO looks for clear authority to manage fisheries on behalf of the community.
Late engagement with DFO
Waiting until fishing seasons begin can limit funding options.
Q: Is Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy funding repayable?
No. AFS funding is generally provided as non-repayable contribution funding, provided agreement terms are met.
Q: How much funding can we receive under AFS?
There is no set maximum. Funding levels depend on your agreement, community needs, and approved activities.
Q: Can AFS funding be combined with other Indigenous grants?
In many cases, yes. Stacking with other federal or provincial Indigenous programs may be allowed, subject to total funding limits and disclosure rules.
Q: How long does approval take?
Timelines vary by region and agreement complexity. Multi-year agreements typically take longer to negotiate than renewals.
Q: Does AFS support commercial fisheries only?
No. AFS supports commercial, food, social, and ceremonial fisheries, depending on the agreement.
The Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy is often just one part of a broader Indigenous funding picture. GrantHub tracks many active grant and contribution programs across Canada, including Indigenous, fisheries, and regional economic development funding. Checking which programs align with your community’s mandate can help you plan beyond a single agreement and build long-term capacity.
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