From Recognition to Action: Strengthening AFS's Commitments to Indigenous Peoples.

The article discusses the importance of recognizing and including Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge in fisheries research and management. It highlights how European colonialism disrupted Indigenous practices and replaced them with European paradigms of natural resource management. The article emphasizes the need for ethical collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and the respect for their knowledge and science alongside European-derived science. The American Fisheries Society (AFS) has formed a working group to improve Indigenous inclusion and participation at their annual meetings, starting with the 2024 meeting in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. The working group aims to be better guests in the places where meetings are held and increase the participation of Indigenous individuals in AFS. They are organizing initiatives to support Indigenous communities and are seeking funding to provide travel and registration grants for Indigenous attendees. The working group also plans to proactively connect with Indigenous Nations or Tribes where future annual meetings are held and improve communication and organization with Indigenous Peoples. The article emphasizes that engaging with Indigenous Peoples is crucial for disrupting colonial relationships and benefiting fisheries, ecosystems, and the people who depend on them. [Extracted from the article]