Partnership Building for Sustainable Development: A First Nations Perspective from Ontario

Abstract

First Nations' approaches toward environmental stewardship have always been based upon partnership and a sense of belonging within the natural environment. The cornerstone of traditional community relationships is the three-pronged model of partnership building, known to the hoquois nations as the “Zeal to Deal.” The Rastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF) was initiated as one often model forest sites across Canada, under a federal sustainable development initiative. The Eastern Onlario Model Forest was formed from people with many different viewpoints, ideals, tools, and ideas. A mixture of people holding local landowner values. native philosophies, and scientific knowledge were brought together to develop a working partnership at a community level. This presentation will analyze approaches in facilitating a partnership according to traditional knowledge of the Iroquois nations (University of Ottawa, 1994). This presentation will show an analysis of the working relationships of people and organizations according to tools developed and practiced by Aboriginal peoples of Eastern Ontario. These tools include the inclusion of each partner in the Eastern Ontario Model Forest as a full partnership based on the “Zeal to Deal.” The development of partnerships from the use of all three tools in this community-level organization will be analyzed. Challenges in the development of new partnerships, and limitations of partnerships according to naturalized knowledge systems will be analyzed. The strength of the EOMF organization based on its diversity will also be addressed.