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Home > Network Initiatives > Aboriginal Involvement 
Aboriginal Involvement
Aboriginal partners bring a unique understanding of forest ecosystems – one developed over centuries of close contact with the land and through systems for transferring knowledge between generations. With knowledge of both traditional and contemporary forest experiences, Aboriginal peoples are well-positioned to contribute to today’s sustainable forest management practices for the benefit of their communities and all Canadians.
The ASI steering committee is inter-disciplinary and cross-cultural, and is made up of Aboriginal representatives from Model Forests, representatives from organizations external to the Network and representatives from the CMFN Secretariat. For more information about the Aboriginal Strategic Initiative, please contact:
Wendy Vasbinder |
© Canadian Model Forest Network
2008
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Since the
beginning of the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN), many successful
collaborations have developed between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal partners.
Whether it’s the creation of the Waswanipi Cree Model Forest, the only
Aboriginal-led Model Forest; the sharing of experience and capacity building in
the Prince Albert Model Forest; or the sustained participation and leadership
of Aboriginal peoples in the Manitoba Model Forest, the role of the Aboriginal
community in the Model Forest Network continues to grow.
Most Aboriginal communities lie within Canada’s productive forest zones. Many
of these communities are developing their own forest-based enterprises such as
sawmills, logging companies, eco-tourism activities and non-timber forest
products ventures. Beyond local involvement in individual Model Forests, the
CMFN has established an Aboriginal Strategic Initiative (ASI) that seeks to
address issues relevant to Aboriginal communities and Model Forests across the
country. By developing tools, publications and cross-cultural learning
opportunities that are national in scope and reach beyond Model Forest
boundaries, the ASI is building awareness of Model Forests in Aboriginal
communities and helping to integrate Aboriginal perspectives in sustainable
forest management.