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As the Fish-WIKs project nears the mid-point of its five-year mandate, PhD and Masters students are hard at work with their studies and research.ÌýÌý With students in place in the four regions of the project, Fish-WIKS is moving forward on all fronts.

In theÌýBritish ColumbiaÌý°ù±ð²µ¾±´Ç²Ô,ÌýSaul Milne, is a PhD candidate at University of Victoria looking at how two orders of government (First Nations and Federal) discuss resource governance.Ìý Saul is studying practical processes of reconciliation, reviewing potential impact of geographical discussions on indigenous knowledge systems and describing key methodological issues identified in indigenous geographies.Ìý Saul’s work takes him frequently to Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations on Vancouver Island’s west coast where he is building relationships with the community and its leaders.

Nicole Latulippe, PhD student at University of Toronto, has been regularly visiting the Nipissing First Nations community in northernÌýOntarioÌýover the last six months.Ìý Focussing on understanding Lake Nipissing fisheries governance within historical, cultural, socio-economic, political, and regional contexts, Nicolle is exploring the interface between knowledge systems and fisheries decision-making across multiple jurisdictions.

Mirjam HeldÌý is theÌý±·³Ü²Ô²¹±¹³Ü³ÙÌýPhD studentÌý where the project focus will likely be on marine mammal fisheries.Ìý Mirjam is early in her Interdisciplinary PhD program at AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ taking courses in Indigenous resource management,ÌýepistemologyÌýand qualitative research methods.ÌýÌý The research question is being developed as the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Environment, the Fish-WIKS partner organization for the northern region, is in the process of renewing the Nunavut Fisheries Strategy.

The first Masters student working on the project isÌýAmber Giles,Ìýa Master of Marine Management student at AV¾ãÀÖ²¿.ÌýÌýAmberÌýis working in Eskasoni,ÌýNova ScotiaÌýon the management of the eel fishery and the species’ importance to Mi’kmaq people.Ìý The work includes the FSC (food, social and ceremonial) and commercial fisheries and how indigenous knowledge systems can be used to enhance policy-level decision-making.