First Nations Forestry Program

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.

Aboriginals, indians, natives, small business, sustainable forests.

"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.

"This paper provides an overview of the key issues and major trends influencing forest management and forest sector activities in Canada. The purpose is to explore the impact, on Aboriginal communities and their aspirations, of the changes occurring in the sector resulting from major initiatives designed to address the underlying issues. As well, this paper is a commentary on the challenges inherent in addressing Aboriginal participation as a fundamental element of sustainable forest management and in ensuring that Aboriginal people derive an equitable share of the benefits."--Government of Canada Publications website.