An Exploration Of On Reserve Forest Management Capacity And Forest Certification Interest In First Nations Communities Across Canada

"This report presents findings of a survey on forest management planning and forest certification schemes for on- and off-reserve forests in Canadian First Nations communities. The survey covers such topics as awareness among First Nations communities of forest management plans and certification programs; resource management capacity; implementation of existing forest management plans; and certification opportunities. It includes four case studies of communities in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and British Columbia."--Government of Canada Publications website.

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.

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.

This book brings together the work of over twenty-five researchers to provide a comparative and empirically rich portrait of community forestry policy and practice in Canada. Tackling all forestry regions from Newfoundland to British Columbia, it unearths the history of community forestry across the nation, demonstrating strong regional differences tied to patterns of policy-making and cultural traditions. Case studies reveal innovative practices in governance and ecological management but also uncover challenges related to government support and market access. This book also considers the future of the sector, including the role of institutional reform, multiscale networks, and adaptive management strategies.

Canada’s Constitution Act (1982) recognises three Indigenous groups: Indians (now referred to as First Nations), Inuit, and Métis. Indigenous peoples make a vital contribution to the culture, heritage and economic development of Canada. Despite improvements in Indigenous well-being in recent decades, significant gaps remain with the non-Indigenous population. This study focuses on four priority issues to maximise the potential of Indigenous economies in Canada.

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.