Message from the CEO: Guy Dean

In his introductory message for the 2024 CNF Annual Report, CEO Guy Dean describes how CNF supports local fishers and their families, and the wider community through re-investment of profits and long-term wealth generation.

From the earliest planning sessions of the FRRA to the official launch of Coastal Nations Fisheries in 2021, our collective goal has been to invest in coastal fisheries to once again support long-term, stable livelihoods for families in shareholder First Nations.

In the short period since our inception, we have made great progress toward fulfilling that mission—encouraging participation in community-based fisheries while building a thriving Indigenous-owned and sustainably operated commercial fishing company.

By increasing commercial access and fisheries revenue in shareholder First Nations, our collaborative efforts are enabling and empowering local fishers to advance their fishing operations, while setting themselves up to potentially transition into the coast-wide commercial fishery (Please read our recent stories featuring coastal fishers, including Oliver Bell, Basil Robinson and Wade Collinson).

Our approach balances ecological health with economic prosperity, upholding the inherent right of shareholder Nations’ citizens to benefit from commercial fishing, while prioritizing stewardship and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

By reinvesting fisheries profits back to shareholder Nations, our commercial fishing company is not just supporting local fishers and their families, it’s supporting the wider community through re-investment of profits and long-term wealth generation.

I am truly honoured to take on the role of CEO, and look forward to advancing this company even further.

As we grow our operations and establish new partnerships with coastal fishers, we will continue to promote the conditions that encourage citizens of shareholder Nations to fully participate in the coast-wide fisheries sector, while accessing new markets and opportunities.

Sincerely,

Guy Dean

CEO, Coastal Nations Fisheries