Indigenous communities before the onslaught of colonialism thrived within their bioregions. They practiced various forms of aquaculture, to include fish weirs and protection and harvesting of water plants. In some areas of North America, tribal communities are reviving and putting into practice some of this ancient knowledge. However, still more communities need assistance with initiating and sustaining programs and projects that will enhance cultural and traditional practices, knowledge and spirituality.

The second convening of the Indigenous Aquaculture Network took place near Seattle, Washington, in 2005 with the Suquamish Nation hosting delegates that came from the Northeast, South, and the Pacific Northwest. IEN staff person Shelly Vendiola was retained to provide outreach and organizing assistance for the participation of delegates from the Northwest/Puget Sound area. During this conference several representatives shared knowledge and ideas that spanned cultural resources, treaty rights, environmental degradation from rampant human development, over fishing and pollution, to dams that restrict the migration/ spanning of native salmon and trout.

There are mixed views on fish farming in Indian country. Fish farming as a whole has not been widely embraced by tribal groups or governments due to the mounting evidence that intensive fish culture tends to degrade the environment and produces a less nutritious counterpart, given the additives and sometimes, non traditional diets – especially for carnivorous varieties such as salmon and trout. However, several varieties of shellfish are being cultivated and tribally run on both the east and west coast allowing for not only cultural and natural resource recovery but also some economic benefits.

As was identified in great detail during this second gathering, tribal governments along with fish and wildlife groups have had a long and difficult battle with other stakeholders over usage and harvesting rights. Treaties, as they were written and understood by tribal nations have assisted in solving some of these problems for tribal communities.

Through this learning process between nations the concept of sharing resources, networking, and continuing dialog came a greater understanding of how the Indigenous Aquaculture Network would grow and offer its members support and ways in which to make viable and educated decisions. The root of which is based upon shared indigenous standards, which comes from the ancestral knowledge of natural law and balance, to include ancient animal and plant husbandry passed down through countless generations.

As the goals and mission of the IAN emerged through this process, the idea of expanding the network in North America and to other countries where indigenous people were facing much the same problems seemed the next logical step. During this evolution, the newly formed group focused on three fundamental questions: Who were we? Who are we now? Who do we want to become? These questions were answered in part with the knowledge that everything in this world is connected and that this planet isn’t so small that what happens in the North won’t affect what happens in the South.