An Exploration of Non-timber Forest Product Potential in a Sub-arctic Aboriginal Setting [University of Alberta]

"Aboriginal peoples have had a long history of utilizing non-timber forest products While the type of products used is well document, little is know about the quantities collected and if these products could be sold and marketed as a means of income generation for Aboriginal peoples. This thesis examines three main components of the economic development for a potential NTFP in a sub-arctic aboriginal setting. The first part of this thesis examines the cultural and institutions implication of the collection of such a product in the Gwich'in Settlement Area (GSA). The second part of this thesis focuses on research inventorying the species of fruit bearing plants within the major vegetation types and to quantify the total annual supply of berries available to the Gwich'in People in the GSA. The third part of this thesis examines market demand for the potential products in a southern market."