AAE prides itself in developing strong working relationships with First Nations communities. Local knowledge helps guide the development and execution of field programs monitoring plans, and is for invaluable addressing environmental impacts on local resources for proposed development projects. First Nations partners are essential members of our field crews, assisting as guides in remote and difficult to navigate terrain, identifying productive fishing grounds and as field assistants. We have also provided training for First Nations community members so that they are equipped with the technical skills to carry out their own monitoring programs on traditional territories.