Volunteer profile: Chief Calvin Francis

Meet Calvin Francis, a member of the NL Advisory Committee.

Chief Francis has been chief of the Gander Bay Indian Band Council for more than 30 years. He has also worked for the Federation of Newfoundland Indians as the director of the Aboriginal Fishery Guardian Program for 20 years, is the current president of the Gander River Ecosystem Corporation, and a founder of the first ever River Watch Program in Newfoundland.

“The program was started on the Gander River in 1982, and later it was expanded by DFO to all of Newfoundland,” said Francis. “The River Watch Program was made up of volunteers who wanted to protect the Atlantic salmon from being poached; at that time poaching was a big issue on the Gander River due to lack of enforcement.”

Chief Francis became a member of the ASCF’s NL Advisory Committee about five years ago.

“My interest was in conservation and protection of Atlantic salmon, and being a member of the Foundation has allowed me to contribute to helping other groups find money for projects that would protect and enhance salmon stocks. I, along with many members of my family, are fishing guides on the Gander River; guiding has been in the family for over 100 years.”

“I remain involved because of my concern for nature and passion for protecting our natural resources so that my children and grandchildren will enjoy the outdoors and nature as I have.”

“The work of the ASCF is very meaningful, the contributions the ASCF is providing to various groups will ensure the salmon stocks will remain healthy for years to come so that many can enjoy the sport of salmon angling. I would encourage others to join so that we can together contribute to conserving and protecting our wild Atlantic salmon stocks.”