Chelsey Karbowski is a Mi’kmaw (L’nu) woman from the community of Indian Head First Nation in Newfoundland. She grew up in Unama’ki (Cape Breton) and currently resides in Punamu’kwati’jk (Dartmouth), Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia).
With over a decade of experience in the marine conservation, fisheries, and oceans sectors, Chelsey has developed deep expertise in fisheries management, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and project management. Her work is firmly grounded in Indigenous rights, values, and perspectives, with a commitment to meaningful change.
Previously, Chelsey worked with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, focusing on National Indigenous Fisheries Policy and Indigenous Fisheries Programs. In these roles, she was a strong advocate for Indigenous self-determination and worked to transform how the Department approaches Indigenous fisheries—promoting collaboration, equity, and respect for Indigenous knowledge systems.
As a Mi’kmaw woman of mixed heritage, Chelsey embraces Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing), a guiding principle that integrates Indigenous and Western ways of knowing to foster sustainable and inclusive approaches to marine and aquatic resource management.
Chelsey’s mission is to advance our collective understanding of the aquatic environment, promote the sustainable use of resources, and remove barriers for Indigenous women within the fisheries and oceans sector. Through her work, she strives to empower Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, ensuring their voices, knowledge, and leadership shape the future of fisheries and marine conservation.
