Exploring First Nation-held Forest Tenures and Community Forest Enterprises in British Columbia

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to situate existing knowledge on First Nation-held forestry tenures and community forest enterprises (CFEs) in British Columbia, Canada within a broader discussion about Indigenous and non-Indigenous community forests in Canada. This report provides 1) A brief characterization of Indigenous forestry partnerships across Canada; 2) A description of the two most common First Nation-held forest tenures within British Columbia: the First Nations Woodland License and the community forest agreement; 3) An assessment of challenges and constraints facing First Nation-led CFEs in British Columbia; 4) An assessment of key enabling conditions in First Nation-led CFEs in British Columbia; and 5) Recommendations to enable Indigenous communities, policymakers, the private sector, and supporting institutions to strengthen the business proposition of Indigenous-led CFEs in British Columbia and elsewhere in Canada.