Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training

• In-class training activities are eligible for 100% funding of tuition-related costs, including instruction, coordination, teaching materials, and exam fees.
• At-sea mentoring activities are eligible for up to 75% funding, with the applicant required to cover the remaining 25% in cash.
• Eligible costs are limited to tuition and training provider expenses; student time, travel, and accommodation are not funded.

• The applicant must be an Indigenous group or community not eligible for the Atlantic or Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiatives (AICFI or PICFI).
• The project must be located in an area where Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) manages the fishery.
• The application must align with the community-based communal commercial fishing enterprise’s (CFE) training plan and overall objectives of capacity building and sustainability in fisheries or aquaculture operations.
• A completed NICFI Indigenous Harvester Training Application Form and supporting documents, including a training plan and a letter of support from an authorized representative, must be submitted.

Who is eligible?

• Indigenous-owned communal commercial fishing enterprises
• Indigenous aquaculture operations
• Indigenous groups and communities interested in commercial fisheries and aquaculture

Who is not eligible

• Companies and organizations eligible for the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI).
• Companies and organizations eligible for the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI).

Eligible expenses

• Tuition costs for approved fisheries and aquaculture training courses.
• Training service provider costs related to instruction and coordination.
• Teaching materials required for the training.
• Transport Canada exam fees and related expenses.

Eligible geographic areas

• Indigenous groups and communities in areas where Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages the fishery, excluding those eligible for the Atlantic or Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiatives.

• Alignment of the proposed training activities with the CFE’s training plan and overall goal of capacity building and sustainability in commercial fisheries and aquaculture operations.
• Completeness and clarity of the application, including all required documentation (training plan, supporting letter, detailed budget, etc.).
• Assessment and approval of the proposed training provider and training methodology by the Training Advisor to ensure adherence to industry standards and value for money.
• Demonstration that other sources of funding have been sought prior to applying for NICFI Indigenous Harvester Training support.

• A Training Advisor is available to assist with developing or updating fisheries and aquaculture training plans at no cost to the applicant.
• The list of eligible training courses is clearly defined and subject to approval by the Training Advisor.
• All applicant information and documentation are treated with strict confidentiality by the program authority, even after project approval.
• Applicants are encouraged to seek other funding sources before applying to the program.