Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

A new partnership between the Marine Institute (MI) of Memorial University and the Miawpukek First Nation (MFN) will aim to channel the passion and enthusiasm of today’s MFN youth towards careers in the fisheries and marine industries through enrollment in MI programs.

MFN officials from Conne River gathered at MI today for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will facilitate a mutual partnership on various education and training activities. The agreement provides a framework for recruiting and enrolling members of the MFN in MI education and training programs.

“MI works closely with aboriginal communities throughout the province and other regions to develop and support their education and training priorities. We are very proud of our long established partnership with the Conne River Band,” said Glenn Blackwood, vice-president of Memorial University (Marine Institute). “The agreement established today will enhance capacity building in the MFN community by providing the knowledge and skills for youth to pursue fisheries and marine related careers.”

The MOU is a follow up to earlier meetings in Conne River between Blackwood, Chief Mi’sel Joe of MFN and Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University.

“The Marine Institute of Memorial University and Conne River have a long history of working together,” said Chief Mi’sel Joe. “This MOU formalizes our great working relationship and will allow us to offer even more career opportunities to our youth.”

MI will continue to work in collaboration to identify needs through the advice and support of the MFN on community support resources such as mentoring and culture. This approach allows MI to create a welcoming and respective environment for students from all aboriginal communities. 

Aboriginal engagement has been a priority of the institute for the past 20 years.  MI extends outreach and training not only within the province but also in Nunavut, Nunavik, Northwest Territories and Greenland. The institute has also delivered various training courses for the other aboriginal groups in the province including the Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut, Nunatukavut and the Qalipu Mi’Kmaq First Nation.