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Introduction
First Nations spiritual and cultural values are intimately connected with the forest. For generations Aboriginal people have depended on the forest for food, shelter, medicine and livelihood. Canada recognizes that issues surrounding First Nations access and tenure of its forests will be one of the primary factors affecting the growth and stability of the forest sector in the future.
In British Columbia, current treaty negotiations, recent court rulings on Aboriginal rights and title, and the revision of provincial forest policy that will see Aboriginal communities gain greater access to the forest, have increased involvement of Aboriginal people in all aspects of the forest sector.
The capacity of First Nations communities to participate and deal with the complex issues, and to benefit from forest-related economic opportunities that may arise, is a concern to government, industry, academia, and First Nations alike. As one of Canada's leading schools of forestry and the primary producer of natural resource professionals in BC, the UBC Faculty of Forestry believes that through its mandate for education and research it can, and should, take a leadership role in assisting British Columbia, Canada and First Nations build the capacity for increased involvement of First Nations in the forest sector.
Improving partnerships around the forest will greatly benefit both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians. Having the people with the knowledge and understanding to foster good relationships and work together with First Nations communities will ultimately lead to greater economic self-sufficiency for First Nations communities and increased stability for the overall forest sector.
The Faculty of Forestry is to be widely respected and recognized for its partnership approach and leadership role in assisting British Columbia through its transition to greater First Nation's involvement in the forest sector
- Harry M. Bombay,
Executive Director,
National Aboriginal Forestry Association (NAFA)
Our goals
Through our First Nations Initiative, the Faculty of Forestry commits itself to achieving the goals of the Faculty's First Nations Strategy developed in 2001. Our goals are to:
- increase the number of First Nations professionals entering forestry and natural resources sectors
- ensure all our students learn more about First Nations Aboriginal rights, culture and land ethics
- provide opportunities for students interested in advanced First Nation's forestry studies
- extend our research programs to integrate traditional knowledge into management and use of forests,
- provide a Forum to improve public policy on First Nation's issues and perspectives.
