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First Nations
Initiative

Community and Aboriginal Forestry Program

The Forest Resources Management Major (Specialization in Community and Aboriginal Forestry) provides prospective forestry professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the discipline of forest management. The program is designed to facilitate students' acquisition of specific knowledge, and skill to give them the confidence they need to make effective decisions in the emerging field of Community and Aboriginal forestry. Graduates, after appropriate work experience and examination, will be eligible for registration as professional foresters (R.P.F.)

This program provides students with an introduction to the biological, physical, and social sciences basic to forest resource management. It ensures a working knowledge of the characteristics of forest resources, their interactions, and management approaches. Students study the political and socio-economic contexts of forestry practice and the historical and ethical foundations of the profession. The interdisciplinary CAF specialization provides awareness and skill in cross cultural communications, facilitation, policy, and small business management. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on encouraging communication skills, both oral and written, creative thinking, critical analysis, and professional pride.

The Canadian Federation of Professional Forester Associations (CFPFA) has reassessed their accreditation goals and standards and the Faculty of Forestry has followed their approach. Because every graduate does not need to follow exactly the same course path, the CFPFA now allows the flexibility for students to emphasize certain aspects of forest management. Students in the specialization fulfill the core requirements of the CFPFA and add courses with learning objectives appropriate for Community and Aboriginal Forestry.

Click here to download a full course list and timetable

Vision

Tree of life has five outreaching branches

First nations initiative crest "Protectors of the Forest" represents the role of First Nations students in protecting trees and other forest resources. The Eagle is recognized for its role in connecting the Earth and the air, the Salmon, for its role in connecting the water and roots of the tree, and the circle of Life is represented by the rays of the Sun. The tree of Life has five outreaching branches to represent the five elements of Earth: Wind, Fire, Minerals, Water and Air. - By Ross and Karen Hunt 2001