Fisheries Staff

Director of Fisheries and Integrated Resources

Melissa Nevin is a proud member of Sipekne’katik First Nation. She holds an advanced Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Saint Mary’s University, and has continued her education in public policy, geography, and project management. Melissa joined APC as the Director of Fisheries and Integrated Resources in October 2018.

As director, Melissa works with the Fisheries and Integrated Resources Team to address fisheries and environmental related issues, policy initiatives, identify opportunities, and provide updates to the communities on current and upcoming issues. Her role also consists of coordinating and collaborating with Government, Academia, Industry, Indigenous organizations, Atlantic First Nations communities including the Atlantic Aboriginal Aquatic Research Ocean Management (AAROM) bodies and Commercial Fisheries Liaison Coordinators (CFLCs). Furthermore, she also sits on several committees and working groups, focusing on First Nation policy and fisheries resource management.

Prior to her position at APC, she served as a Mi’kmaq Consultation Researcher for the Kwikmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiations Office (KMKNO) for eleven years. She also worked with the Un’amak’i Institute of Natural Resources (UINR). Melissa has trained in public management and policy and has worked on National Parks, Fisheries, Indigenous Knowledge, and participated in various committees on energy, mining, environment, climate change, fisheries, both on a provincial and national level.

Melissa is a travel enthusiast and has visited over 9 different countries, including much of Canada and the United States. Outside of work commitments, Melissa enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, walking, and swimming, and spends time with her friends and family enjoying a good meal and traditional foods.

melissa.nevin@apcfnc.ca
(902) 435-8021 ext. 3406

Fisheries Policy Analyst

Charlie Marshall has been part of APC’s Fisheries and Integrated Resources department since September 2017 working as a Fisheries Policy Analyst. His main files are Species at Risk, Marine Protected Areas, Marine Spatial Planning and Indigenous Knowledge. Reviewing policies and providing recommendations concerning these files are his main duties, however he is a member of regional and national Species at Risk advisory committees, to be a voice for the communities of the Atlantic.

Charlie is a proud Millbrook First Nations community member. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Aquatic Resources and majoring in Public Policy and Social Research. Charlie has been passionate about Species at Risk for many years and while attending StFX, he wrote his thesis on the Implementation of the Species at Risk Act with regards to Atlantic Salmon. Prior to joining APC, he worked for Mi’kmaw Conservation Group as a student and full-time (2013-2017) managing river restoration projects, operating the Stewiacke Atlantic Salmon smolt wheel and actively involved in adult Atlantic Salmon snorkel surveys.

charlie.marshall@apcfnc.ca
(902) 435-8021 ext. 2001

Policy Analyst for Fish & Fish Habitat

Allie Rivers joined APC in January 2023 as the Policy Analyst for Fish & Fish Habitat. Her work includes reviewing fish and fish habitat policies and regulations stemming from the Fisheries Act and providing policy analysis support for other initiatives in the department. She also works to support and strengthen efforts on the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat for First Nations in Atlantic Canada along with other fisheries initiatives.

Allie was born and raised in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Ocean Sciences, Certificate in Environmental Impact Assessment from Dalhousie University in 2015. Prior to her work with APC, Allie worked in various sectors including environment, agriculture, aquaculture, and construction. Over the past 4 years, Allie has been supporting First Nations communities in the areas of fish habitat restoration and Indigenous Protected & Conserved Area (IPCA) development.

allie.rivers@apcfnc.ca
(902) 435-8021 ext. 2012

Fisheries Coordinator

Jovana Kornicer joined APC as the Regional Climate Leadership Coordinator in October 2023. In her role, she coordinates with Indigenous climate leaders in Atlantic First Nation communities to provide support in combating climate change impacts. She also works to strengthen First Nation community capacity in climate leadership, action, and energy related initiatives.

Jovana was born and raised in the US and spent her summers in Serbia with relatives. She moved to Canada during high school and graduated from Dalhousie University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. She worked as a research and laboratory assistant in various laboratories at Dalhousie, looking at how climate change is impacting marine species and their habitats. Prior to joining APC, she worked for Oceana Canada, supporting conservation efforts to protect marine habitats across Canada.

jovana.kornicer@apcfnc.ca
(902) 435-8021 ext. 1428

Communications Administrative Assistant

Carly has been part of the Atlantic Policy Congress (APC) team since September 2016, starting her journey as the Governance Administrative Assistant. During her time in that role, Carly worked closely with Chiefs to provide administrative support to them and the APC office. From communication and meeting prep to Human Resources and payroll, on-boarding, and staff training, she’s had the opportunity to learn and grow in various areas of administration. She was also the first face of APC at the front desk, which gave her a chance to connect with people on a personal level.

In 2025, Carly transitioned into the Fisheries & Integrated Resources Department, where she is excited to continue learning about the importance of Fisheries & Environmennt within the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Peskotomuhkati and Innu communities. This shift will allow her to explore new areas of interest while contributing to the growth of our people.

Born and raised in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Carly is a proud Mi’kmaw woman and member of the Sipekne’katik First Nation. She earned her Office Administration certificate from Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) in the spring of 2016, and shortly after, was given the opportunity to do her work placement at APC, which led to a full-time position.

When not working, she is a busy mom to two small children. Her family loves spending time outside, crafting, and exploring new hobbies. Traveling and experiencing new cultures and cuisines are passions of hers, but also loves exploring everything her home, Mi’kma’ki, has to offer.

carly.seaboyer@apcfnc.ca
(902) 435-8021 ext. 1752