Introduction to this Edition's Aboriginal forestry articles

Abstract

This issue of The Forestry Chronicle represents a collaboration between the C m Insthte of Forestry and the National Aboriginal Forestry Association (NAFA) to explore some of the many forestry issues that are of relevance to both Aborigml and non-Aboriginal communities and businesses. From NAFA's perspective, the issue represents an example of the sort of partnership that can lead to enhanced understanding and improved relationships amongst Aboriginal communities, the forest industry and others with an interest in the forest environment. The following articles present a range of perspectives on issues of interest to Aboriginal peoples. To lead off, four articles present various aspects of policy and legal development of significance to Aboriginal forestry. First, Charlene Higgins presents a glimpse of the global context for recognition and incorporation of Indigenous participation in sustainable forest management. In particular, this article introduces the Convention on Biological Diversity that emerged out of the UNCED conference in Rio, and looks at the activities being initiated by Canada to carry this convention forward within this country. The second article, by Peggy Smith, examines the CSA and FSC certification system, and explores their potential relevance for Aboriginal communities. Next, David House helps to provide some clarity to the extensive land claims and treaty settlement processes that are slowly b e i i addressed amss the country. He also presents a brief look at three recent court decisions that have sigmficant implications for Aborigml forestry. Finally, Jack Smyth outlines Canada's First Nations Forestry Program, along with some of the successes it has contributed to and the challenges it faces. A second grouping of articles looks more closely at several aspects of the practice of Aboriginal forestry in various contexts. Annie Booth begins with a review of the concept of community forestry, and looks at how this concept is being developed and studied in a First Nations community in northern British Columbia. Next, the growing involvement of Aboriginal communities and businesses in the forest industrial sector through the development of joint venture anangements is explored by Doug ~rubacher. This is followed by an introduction, by Darcy Mitchell, to the involvement of First Nations communities in the growing non-timber forest products industry in British Columbia. To wrap up this sampling, Steve Morel and Louis Belanger present a model for sustainable forest management amongst the Innu of Quebec. Finally, to put a human face on Aboriginal forestry, a number of brief profiles of Aboriginal people and organizations involved in the forest sector are presented. Ellen Hagerman begins with an overview of the National Aboriginal Forestry Association (NAFA), and interviews with NAFA's Harry Bombay and Peggy Smith. This is followed by a series of individual profiles, by the same author, and an outline, by Madeline MacIvor, of the University of British Columbia's First Nations Forestry Program. Finally, Lorraine Rekmans presents some of the issues and opportunities facing the forestry department of the North Shore Tribal Council, in Ontario.