We are committed to operating with respect and recognition of our position as settlers on the unceded territories of Canada’s Indigenous peoples, and we specifically acknowledge the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations territories where our business is situated.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Community’s Fishery

Indigenous Fishers First: Your Trusted Partner in Building Thriving Indigenous Fisheries

Our Story: Two Decades of Dedication to Indigenous Fisheries

Welcome to Indigenous Fishers First. We are more than consultants; we are dedicated partners in the empowerment and prosperity of Indigenous communities through the sustainable use of their traditional waters. Our foundation is built upon more than 20 years of hands-on experience working directly with Indigenous peoples and communities across Canada and the United States.

Who we are:

Our founder, Andy Olson, is a visionary leader and advocate with over 20 years of experience advancing the sovereignty and economic success of Indigenous fishers and communities. His work is etched in the successful projects and lasting partnerships he’s built across North America, from the coastal waters of British Columbia to tribal lands in the United States. Andy’s career is dedicated to fostering place-based economies and empowering communities to build thriving enterprises through sustainable fisheries and innovative food processing solutions.

A respected expert in policy and advocacy, Andy actively champions for Indigenous fishing rights and ensures their voices are heard at the highest levels. His strategic leadership has secured multimillion-dollar revenues for communities, including one of the largest Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) funding allocations in the South Coast of BC.

Andy’s expertise spans a wide range of critical areas, including:

  • Strategic Planning & Negotiation: He specializes in developing community-based fisheries plans and is skilled at negotiating agreements that secure favorable terms and long-term benefits for Indigenous communities.
  • Economic Development & Growth: Andy empowers communities to maximize the value of their fishing licenses and assets, from building state-of-the-art infrastructure like fish hatcheries to launching innovative direct-to-consumer smoked salmon programs.
  • Financial Security & Funding: As an expert grant writer and financial strategist, he has a proven track record of securing critical funding for ambitious community projects, ensuring their long-term stability and growth.

Committed to ethical and sustainable practices, Andy holds a UN-certified “Blue ESG & Impacts Fundamentals for SMEs” microcredential and has completed the NACCA Executive Education program at Harvard University. His work is guided by a deep commitment to cultural integrity, economic self-determination, and creating intergenerational wealth for Indigenous communities.

A Legacy of Action and Advocacy

Our experience is not just theoretical—it’s etched in the successful projects and lasting partnerships we’ve built. We have been on the ground, working side-by-side with communities to turn vision into reality. Our comprehensive expertise includes:

Policy and Advocacy: We are staunch advocates for Indigenous fishing rights, actively engaging in policy advocacy to ensure that the voices of Indigenous fishers are heard and respected at the highest levels.

Building and Enhancing Infrastructure: We have a proven track record in developing critical infrastructure, from constructing state-of-the-art fish hatcheries to executing complex seafood processing infrastructure projects and leading vital habitat restoration initiatives.

Strategic Planning & Negotiation: We specialize in creating robust, community-based fisheries plans that reflect the unique values and goals of each Nation. We are skilled negotiators, adept at securing rights and favorable terms that benefit the community as a whole.

Economic Development & Growth: We empower communities to build thriving enterprises through expert guidance in fishing and seafood business development. We have a history of successfully acquiring commercial fishing licenses and developing management strategies to maximize their value.

Securing Critical Funding: Our team possesses extensive experience in both successful grant writing and grant review. We know how to navigate the complex funding landscape to secure the financial resources needed for ambitious community projects.

Community and Financial Services: We facilitate meaningful community engagement to ensure every project is aligned with the people it serves. We also provide essential financial services to support the long-term stability and growth of fishing enterprises.

Our Commitment

At Indigenous Fishers First, we believe that the future of fishing is Indigenous. Our mission is to provide the strategic support, technical expertise, and unwavering advocacy necessary for Indigenous communities to reclaim, strengthen, and expand their rightful place in the fisheries sector. We operate with a profound respect for tradition, a commitment to sustainability, and a passionate belief in the power of community-led enterprise.

We are here to help you navigate the complexities of the industry, honor your heritage, and build a prosperous future on the water.