Funded Master's in Marine Management: Indigenous Fisheries Governance and Policy at Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is offering a funded professional Master’s project in the 16-month Master of Marine Management (MMM) program, focusing on Indigenous fisheries governance and policy-relevant research. This opportunity is in partnership with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) Fisheries Department and the FishPeoplePlace lab, led by Dr. Hannah L. Harrison. The selected student will lead a community-engaged study to understand barriers to entry for new and young fishers within SON’s fisheries, working closely with SON’s Fisheries Department and faculty in the MMM program. The project is interdisciplinary, combining coursework in marine policy, Indigenous fisheries management, science and technology, and hands-on experiential learning. The student will complete a four-month internship with SON’s Fisheries Office, gaining practical experience in Indigenous governance and fisheries management. The research will involve qualitative interviewing, community engagement, and may include arts-based or research-creation outputs. The student will produce a written graduate project, give community presentations, and contribute to outputs tailored for community audiences. This position is ideal for students with backgrounds in marine biology, environmental studies, geography, Indigenous studies, natural resource management, or related fields. Applicants with non-traditional academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Training in social sciences and qualitative research is an asset. Experience in fisheries, working with Indigenous Nations, or with Indigenous knowledge, rights, or governance is valued. Strong English communication skills, cultural competence, and self-motivation are required. Priority is given to Indigenous applicants from the Great Lakes region, followed by other Indigenous applicants in Canada, and then values-aligned applicants from any background. The position provides a stipend of $27,000 over 16 months, with additional funding for fieldwork and community engagement. The program prepares graduates for careers in government, Indigenous organizations, NGOs, consulting, and the private sector. The application deadline is February 20, 2026. For more information and application instructions, visit the provided links or contact Dr. Hannah Harrison at [email protected].