Training for Enterprise and Ownership ir British Columbia's First Nation Shellfish Aquaculture Initiatives

摘要

Most of British Columbia's coastal First Nation communities are exploring or actively pursuing initiatives to develop shellfish aquaculture. Building human resource capacity is one of the most pressing needs. Training courses and programs that are accessible, relevant, practical, standardized, and comprehensive are in demand. Consequently, an industry training system is being developed in BC that involves multiple efforts and coordinated projects, the hub of which is the First Nation Shellfish Aquaculture Training Strategy (FNSAT) currently being managed by Malaspina University-College. Experience to date in developing and delivering training indicates that success in training will be linked to success in a broad range of industry and economic development components. Therefore, a successful program must address core training issues such as: 1) delivering training in 'real' conditions, involving pilot-scale farms, on-farm internships, and mentoring 2) developing a curriculum offering opportuni -tiesfor advancement, and 3) nurturing internal management and entre-preneurship capacity. The program must also address larger technical, economic, and social issues such as: 1) obtaining community buy-in and ownership of the initiative, 2) coordinating training with enterprise development, 3) providing post-training technical and advisory support, and 4) accessing markets and attracting investment. A coordinated and comprehensive development strategy is needed if BC's Aboriginal training program is to beof lasting value.