Thursday, October 29, 2026
Diana Fox Carney, Canada’s Ocean Envoy and Chair of the 12th Our Ocean Conference (OOC), concluded a visit to Canada’s Arctic where she announced the first-ever Global Indigenous Summit, to be held on May 9, 2027, alongside the Our Ocean Conference.
The Summit will bring together Indigenous Peoples from around the world to exchange Indigenous knowledge and discuss shared priorities for the future of ocean stewardship, conservation, and blue finance. To ensure Indigenous leadership will be at the centre of this work, the Ocean Envoy will work closely with the Right Honourable Mary Simon, the Former Governor General of Canada.
“It was a privilege to be welcomed to Iqaluit during my first official visit as Canada’s Ocean Envoy and Chair of the 12th Our Ocean Conference. I am grateful to Inuit leaders, youth, and community partners who shared their knowledge and perspectives. Their leadership and stewardship are vital to the future of Arctic marine ecosystems and will help inform global conversations on ocean sustainability, conservation, and the blue economy,” said Fox Carney.
Added Simon: “I welcome the opportunity to support the Global Indigenous Summit at the Our Ocean Conference. The Arctic Ocean must be understood through the lives of the people who have inhabited and cared for it over countless generations.”
Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, and the Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature) also announced two new commitments towards advancing its goal of conserving 30 per cent of Canada’s ocean by 2030, and building on A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature.
First, the government announced its commitment to protect an additional three per cent of Canada’s marine and ocean areas by the end of 2027. With the longest coastline in the world, this will result in over 170,000 km2 in additional protected area, bringing over 20 per cent of Canada’s ocean waters under protection. Canada will invite international partners to demonstrate similar ambition and action at the 12th Our Ocean Conference in Halifax.
Second, as host of the 12th Our Ocean Conference, Canada will work with global partners to accelerate blue finance, including innovative financial mechanisms that help direct capital toward resilient coastal communities and healthy ocean ecosystems. As part of this commitment, Canada will work with Indigenous communities in the Arctic to establish up to two new conservation agreements, drawing on long-term financing models such as Project Finance for Permanence to support enduring conservation outcomes and community-led stewardship.
“Indigenous perspectives are vital to the advancement of sustainable fisheries and marine conservation efforts. I’m thrilled Former Governor General Mary Simon will be working with us to advance these efforts. Working with Indigenous Peoples, and stakeholders, including industry, Canada has conserved 17.65 per cent of its marine area. Building on that momentum, we’re aiming to conserve an additional three per cent by the end of 2027.” said Thompson.
Featured image: Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries. (Government of Canada)
