Land Acknowledgement Statement

FishCAST acknowledges that our Universities, collaborator organizations and research benefit from, and are situated on the Traditional and Unceded Territories and lands of Indigenous nations. We acknowledge the rights of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit people of Turtle Island. FishCAST is primarily administrated by the University of Windsor which sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, which includes the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomie. We strive to move beyond land acknowledgement and where possible into meaningful partnership and relationship building that acknowledges the history, connection to and knowledge of the land on which we are situated. Our goal is to address systemic barriers in our fields and work collaboratively to overcome them. 

Our Mission

FishCAST is committed to training the next generation of fisheries and aquatic science leaders for the benefit of Canada and the world. Thus, we are inclusive and we value diversity in thought, diversity in peoples and respect differences in ways of knowing, doing and being. To advance and accelerate excellence across Canada and globally, we recognize that research must maximize partnerships with Indigenous communities and local knowledge experts and we will seek to normalize inclusivity and collaboration across all aspects of the program.  

JEDI — Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

FishCAST recognizes that research impact and excellence is multidimensional and recognize historical biases associated with notions of excellence. We are committed to engaging in this debate through a multidimensional, intersectional lens of justice, equity, access, inclusion and Indigeneity. FishCAST proudly endorses the Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada Charter as we believe we are strengthened by diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

This diversity is critical to achieving personal, academic, and research excellence that fosters leadership in societal change. In the response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action, FishCAST also strives to develop and enhance existing Indigenous relationships to promote and support Indigenous self-determination. In this light, we are committed to the moral and legal imperative for seeking, valuing and co-producing knowledge with our Indigenous members for freshwater fish and fisheries management and conservation. 

Aligned organizations including IAGLR, Society for Freshwater Science and others have taken on similar language. 

Our JEDI Commitment and Standards of Behaviour

FishCAST aims to create, support and maintain a learning, research, and work environment that is safe and free from discriminatory and intimidating behaviour. We will continuously address issues related to justice-seeking groups that include, but are not limited to, those represented by indigeneity, race, nationality, sex, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity, and socioeconomic status. FishCAST will provide allyship and mentorship to ensure that all members of our training program are treated in a fair and ethical manner, and supported in their path to success while upholding values of mutual respect. Throughout its tenure, the performance and success of FishCAST will be tracked, and necessary adjustments will be made so that specific, measurable, and sustainable actions continue to counter the systemic barriers, explicit and unconscious biases, and inequities found in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 

Work Culture and Member Support

FishCAST supports flexible work arrangements in support of those with family care, personal health and/or well-being responsibilities. FishCAST is a community that will strive to create a welcoming environment including to those with family care responsibilities. We enact this support through a variety of means at meetings that include and extend beyond ensuring that dedicated spaces are provided for caregivers and children, and consideration towards providing virtual, recorded and live-stream opportunities to maximize attendance, access and participation, and in the development of a range of training opportunities in the field, lab and community. 

Please note that this is a living document, and will be continually updated so that FishCAST can continue to deliver a consistent, high-quality experience to our members. To enact FishCAST’s vision statement, we have adopted a code of conduct that you can find here. 

Last update: January 31st, 2021