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.
This paper is intended to provide a greater understanding of the nature of Aboriginal and treaty rights and how they interface with emerging forest policy. When one examines the essence of Aboriginal and treaty rights an early observation must be that these rights are largely about continued use of the forests. This obvious linkage has never been reconciled in forest policy, and where it counts most - at the provincial level. Only now is there some evidence that change may occur.
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.
The objective of this submission is to provide the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples with analyses and options to overcome the inaccessibility to land and resources. Access to forest land resources could be achievable in several forms ranging through outright ownership, special long-term Aboriginal tenures, resource harvesting leases under existing provincial tenure systems, cooperative or joint management agreements, and decision-making or advisory roles in resource management and environmental assessment processes on traditional-use territories.
Crown Land leases are issued for various uses under the following categories: Commercial, Communication, Institutional, Utility, Industrial, Transportation, Municipal Services , Shooting Range, and Camp lot.
Surplus Crown Lands that are less than 20 hectares in size, surrounded by private lands on at least 3 sides and which have no ecological, cultural or social significance and are not needed to provide access to Crown Land, can be reviewed for declaration as surplus lands. If a property is declared surplus, it will be transferred to the Department of Supply & Services (DSS) and sold by public tender, provided it is not needed by another government agency. This department may request that DSS notify all those who had expressed an interest in the lands be notified of any tender call.
Surplus Crown Lands that are less than 20 hectares in size, surrounded by private lands on at least 3 sides and which have no ecological, cultural or social significance and are not needed to provide access to Crown Land, can be reviewed for declaration as surplus lands. If a property is declared surplus, it will be transferred to the Department of Supply & Services (DSS) and sold by public tender, provided it is not needed by another government agency. This department may request that DSS notify all those who had expressed an interest in the lands be notified of any tender call.
A manual to aid and inform woodlot owners on how to manage their lands, including details regarding provincial programs, invoicing procedures, and reporting to DNR.
