Strategic Options for More Effective Indigenous Participation in Collaborative Environmental Governance

Abstract

This research focuses on how Indigenous peoples might participate in collaborative environmental governance initiated by networked nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Fourteen Indigenous and six non-Indigenous board members and partners of Canadian Model Forests were interviewed and discussed seven aspects of collaborative governance affecting Indigenous participation: purpose and vision; decision-making structure(s); roles and responsibilities; engagement; capacity; leadership; and, cultural suitability. Participants described four possible participation structures: external advisory committee; internal board subcommittee; hybrid internal–external advisory board; and internal ad hoc group. Here, design options and implications of each model are considered, offering choices for engagement where NGOs seek to lead collaborative approaches.