The purpose of this report is to establish a baseline understanding of some aspects of the socio-economic conditions of Aboriginal communities within forest regions in Canada. It is hoped these findings will assist governments and society in decision-making where it relates to information gathering, resource allocation and the socio-economic welfare of Aboriginal communities within forest regions in Canada.
The boreal forest region contains nearly 20 per cent of the world's forest resources. Canada contains 30 per cent of the world's boreal forest and the future of Canada's boreal region has been the subject of spirited debate, with some advocating more extensive and intensive harvest, while others argue for increased protection. Since the boreal region lags behind Canada as a whole on most indicators of socio-economic status, arguments for expanded harvest and for increased protection invoke the need to sustain human communities.
This discussion paper will examine how Aboriginal communities may be affected by processes under development to certify sustainable forest management or sustainably produced forest products and the possible basis for Aboriginal communities complying with these processes. Background information will be provided on the events leading to certification, the current status of certification initiatives and options for Aboriginal communities to meet certification standards or use such systems to promote their interests.
A discussion of six criterion outlined as integral to sustainable forest management by NAFA, including economic benefits via employment and management and learning opportunities for Aboriginal peoples.
This Guide is meant to assist community and indigenous communities groups in the development of their own small-scale renewable energy projects. Commissioned by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, it covers Canada, Mexico and the United States. While mainly focusing on the co-op business model, the information presented is equally applicable to other business models, such as small business or corporate structures. The Guide covers all the stages of project development and provides guidance on how to approach each one.
The National Forest Strategy, a broadly based public initiative, identifies and charts the direction that Canadians, as stewards of the forest, need to move toward in order to deal with evolving social, cultural, institutional, environmental and economic factors in our journey toward sustainable forest management. As Canadians, we have reason to be proud that Canada was the first nation to form a national forest strategy, thus establishing a clear and widely based commitment to the pursuit of the sustainable forest. The 2003- 2008 Strategy continues this leadership tradition.
"This thesis will examine Aboriginal Economic Development (AED) in two Cariboo-Chilcotin communities involved in forestry joint ventures. In particular, the thesis will reveal how each forestry joint venture (JV) keeps politics from over-running the business, and how each aboriginal community defines the success of their forestry JV. AED is different from mainstream economic development, in that it involves an aboriginal community/nation achieving self-reliance through business, while not compromising their traditional culture, values, or language.
Looks at Aboriginal ecological knowledge and scientific knowledge regarding forest management planning, and discusses how Aboriginal communities need to understand the language that planners use and the objectives they hope to achieve.
"The participation of the First Nations in Canadian forestry is a growing and irreversible phenomenon. There is a lack of information on forestry initiatives in Aboriginal communities, particularly regarding factors contributing to entrepreneurial development within Aboriginal communities. It is in this context that we present a case study that allowed us to draw a portrait of forestry entrepreneurs within the Ilnu community of Mashteuiatsh. Our results reveal the determinant but delicate role played by the band council in developing forestry entrepreneurship in the community.
Community Development is a three year interdisciplinary degree program that includes required courses in Community Economic & Social Development and Social Welfare. Community development practitioners work alongside people in communities to effect change. They help communities identify common concerns and solutions, and build relationships with organizations and those in positions of power so that everyone can become involved in issues that affect their lives.
