Mentorship Program
MENTORSHIP PROGRAMs
Ha’oom Fisheries Society has created mentorship programs to facilitate and support professional training for all individuals from the five Nations whose interests fall within the fields of fisheries.
MMFN Chum Fishery Mentorship
We are excited to announce Ha’oom Fisheries Society’s first chum mentorship, starting October 1, 2024! We are looking for mentors and mentees for this new mentorship program! To enroll in this program, please click here: https://taaqwiihakfisheries.ca/fisher-information/mentorship-program/
This mentorship program is a great opportunity to learn about the T’aaq-wihak fishery! Learn how to participate in the chum fishing sector, profit from the catch, and receive funding for participation in this new program. Join us starting on October 1, 2024! For further info or questions, please contact Shelly Hamilton at shelly@haoom.ca
When: Oct 1, Oct 8, Oct 15, 2024
Who can attend: This workshop is open to T’aaq-wiihak fishers from the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation.
How much: This program is free!
If you are interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee, or for further info or questions, please register using the form below, or send Shelly Hamilton a message at shelly@haoom.ca.
HFS Mentorship Program
There is a huge demand for marine workers in a variety of industries. It is an incredibly rewarding career, but it can also be hazardous, which is why training and mentorship are so important.
This mentorship program is established to facilitate and support professional training for all individuals from the Five Nations whose interests fall within the fields of fisheries. This will be achieved through a mentor-mentee pairing process, which works to connect individuals from the Five Nations seeking boat experience and professional training with experienced Five Nations fishers.
In addition, training such as Small Vessel Operator Proficiency, Swift Water Technician, and/or Operator Certificate Marine Radio License can be provided to the mentee if the certificate is in alignment with their professional aspirations and if they want to pursue a career in the fisheries after the mentorship program.
Once a mentor is paired with a mentee, the two will agree upon the areas of emphasis they wish to work on.
When: Year-round
Who can attend: This workshop is open to all members of the Five Nations.
How much: This program is free!
If you are interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee, please register using the form below or send us a message at audrey@haoom.ca / lacey@haoom.ca.
Youth Mentorship 2024
The youth mentorship program offered a diverse range of activities designed to empower young individuals within the Nuu-chah-nulth community and preserve our cultural heritage. Participants aged 16 and above engaged in the following:
- Weekly Fishing Trips: Guided by experienced fishers, participants will embark on weekly fishing trips to learn traditional fishing techniques and gain practical experience on the water.
- Weekly Safety Briefings: Prior to each fishing trip, comprehensive safety briefings will be conducted to ensure participants understand and adhere to proper safety protocols while on the water.
- Food Preservation Workshops: Participants will learn essential food preservation techniques such as smoking and jarring salmon. These workshops will not only teach valuable skills but also contribute to the preservation of traditional food practices within our community.
- Harvesting Seafoods: Participants will have the opportunity to harvest a variety of seafood, including hasaamać (crabs), ca?inwa (gooseneck barnacles), hyishtuup (chiton), ya?isi (clams), and tućup (sea urchins), and more. Through hands-on experience, they will learn sustainable harvesting methods and gain an appreciation for the abundance of resources our coastal environment provides.
- Cultural Knowledge: Youth will delve into their hahuułi (ancestral territories) and learn about the place names of the fishing grounds, deepening their connection to the land and sea. They will also engage with elders and knowledge holders to learn about cultural practices related to fishing, harvesting, and language. This includes understanding traditional protocols, storytelling, and language revitalization efforts, enriching their understanding of Nuu-chah-nulth heritage and identity.
These activities are integral to the mentorship program as they provided participants with practical skills, deepened their connection to Nuu-chah-nulth culture, and fostered a sense of stewardship towards our natural resources. By immersing youth in these activities, we aimed to empower them to become knowledgeable and responsible stewards of our land and sea for generations to come.
When: July – August 2024
Who can attend: This is available to youth registered to any of the Five Nations
How much: This program was free, and is now closed for the year. Thank you to everyone who participated!
