A Vision For First Nations Forestry In 2020

The First Nation Forestry Program intends to improve the economic conditions in status Indian communities with full consideration of the principles of sustainable forest management. This report presents case studies of Program successes, organized under the following themes: forest management; building skills & professional development; community employment; forestry business; ecotourism & forest resources; traditional knowledge; and regional initiatives. These examples provide a role model to other First Nations wishing to develop their own projects or to those who want to gain insight into First Nation forest-related issues & development. Contact information is included with each case study.

Aboriginal people in Canada have long struggled to regain control over their traditional forest lands. Aboriginal Peoples and Forest Lands in Canada brings together the diverse perspectives of Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals to address the political, cultural, environmental, and economic implications of forest use. This book discusses the need for professionals working in forestry and conservation to understand the context of Aboriginal participation in resource management. It also addresses the importance of researching traditional knowledge and traditional land use and examines the development of co-management initiatives and joint ventures between government, forestry companies, and Aboriginal communities.

Existing institutions and rules of engagement for sustainable forest management (SFM) in Canada are not designed to accommodate the rights or interests of its Aboriginal peoples. In recognition of this, there has emerged a community of Aboriginal partners and academic researchers committed to changing forestry practices, institutions, and policies. They have collectively undertaken research to address the needs, rights, and interests of forest-dependent Aboriginal communities, with the intention of producing knowledge and skill sets needed to reform forest and resource development sectors. This is the first of two volumes that will highlight the most current and critical research undertaken by this community of practice. While this book and upcoming companion volume are aimed directly at Canada's forest sector, the implications of this research should be of considerable interest and value to all who have a vested interest in natural resource development and management on lands where Aboriginal peoples assert constitutionally protected rights and interests. By attempting to create the ethical space for Aboriginal peoples in building new institutions and policies for their engagement in SFM, this volume addresses some of the most pressing environmental and social issues that Canadians face today.

Canada is experiencing an unparalleled crisis involving forests and communities across the country. While municipalities, policy makers, and industry leaders acknowledge common challenges such as an overdependence on US markets, rising energy costs, and lack of diversification, no common set of solutions has been developed and implemented. Ongoing and at times contentious public debate has revealed an appetite and need for a fundamental rethinking of the relationships that link our communities, governments, industrial partners, and forests towards a more sustainable future. The creation of community forests is one path that promises to build resilience in forest communities and ecosystems. This model provides local control over common forest lands in order to activate resource development opportunities, benefits, and social responsibilities. Implementing community forestry in practice has proven to be a complex task, however: there are no road maps or well-developed and widely-tested models for community forestry in Canada. But in settings where community forests have taken hold, there is a rich and growing body of experience to draw on. The contributors to Growing Community Forests include leading researchers, practitioners, Indigenous representatives, government representatives, local advocates, and students who are actively engaged in sharing experiences, resources, and tools of significance to forest resource communities, policy makers, and industry.