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NATIONAL ABORIGINAL FORESTRY ASSOCIATION |
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During the 1995/96 fiscal year the National Aboriginal Forestry Association continued advocacy activities begun the previous year with some changes and additions. These activities are summarized in the attached chart, "NAFA PARTICIPATION IN MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PROCESSES" (Appendix A) and list, "ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES: PRESENTATIONS BY NAFA STAFF" (Appendix B). Some of NAFA's advocacy activities are also described in its recent report, Aboriginal Forestry: Significant Developments and Events 1992-1995.
NAFA's involvement in national processes with international implications grew during this year, especially because of national and international negotiations on forest management certification and criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management which will possibly lead to an international forest convention, a commitment made at the United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992. More details on UNCED commitments are contained in NAFA's position paper, Assessment of the Need for Aboriginal Compliance with Sustainable Forest Management and Forest Product Certification Systems (March 1996).
The following is a brief summary of some of these processes and the role played by NAFA.
a) National Forest Strategy:
NAFA sits on both the National Forest Strategy Steering Committee and the NFS Coalition. The NFS made a commitment to Strategic Direction Seven which outlines how the CCFM will improve Aboriginal participation in the forest sector. The National Forest Strategy made a commitment to achieve its goals over the five-year period 1992-1997. The Coalition has just established an Evaluation Committee, of which NAFA is a member, to assess progress in meeting the NFS goals with a view to extending the Strategy and improving activities to meet its commitments for another five-year period. The Evaluation Committee has been struck to set the Terms of Reference for and monitor progress of the evaluation.
b) Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management Technical
Committee
The Canadian Council of Forest Ministers approved and published the
Criteria and Indicators developed by the Technical Committee in March 1995 in Defining
Sustainable Forest Management: A Canadian Approach to Criteria and Indicators. These
Criteria and Indicators were developed to meet commitments Canada made to practice
sustainable forest management at the United Nations Conference on the Environment and
Development (UNCED) in 1992. At UNCED countries agreed to work toward the development of an international forest convention, the first step being the establishment of national criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management. Aboriginal issues were relegated to two indicators in Criterion Six, Accepting Society's Responsibility for Sustainable Development, indicators 6.1, Aboriginal and treaty rights, and 6.2,
Participation by Aboriginal communities in sustainable forest management.
The Technical Committee is now developing a reporting protocol, including data gathering and measurement guidelines to meet the Criteria and Indicators. NAFA is involved with the development of these guidelines to measure Aboriginal participation in forestry. An initial report on the state of information to support the Criteria and Indicators will be ready by October 1996.
c) The Montreal Process
The Montreal Process is another Criteria and Indicators process the Government of Canada took part in to develop Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests, agreed to by 12 countries in February 1995 with more countries signing on recently. Aboriginal issues are contained in Criterion 7, Legal, institutional and economic framework for forest conservation and sustainable management. The Canadian Forest Service has struck a committee to develop a reporting protocol for Canada for the Montreal Process in co-operation with the Canadian C&I process, especially Criterion 6 of the Canadian process which is closely related to Criterion 7 of the Montreal Process. NAFA has been working with this committee.
a) The Biodiversity Convention:
A Biodiversity Convention was negotiated at UNCED and two major conferences have taken place to measure progress towards meeting the Convention commitments. An international Biodiversity office has also been established in Montreal. NAFA has been involved in discussions about meeting commitments to protect indigenous traditional activities and knowledge through Environment Canada's Biodiversity Convention Office, with an Ad Hoc Committee on Biodiversity co-ordinated by the Assembly of First Nations and the Indigenous Biodiversity Information Project.
b) Intergovernmental Panel on Forests:
Because there were a number of processes begun as a result of UNCED with implications for forestry, the Intergovernmental Panel was established to co-ordinate these efforts. The efforts include the Biodiversity Convention, Agenda 21 and the Forestry Principles, among others. NAFA has been involved in briefing sessions conducted by the Canadian Forest Service's International Affairs branch and has been discussing with them the protocol for establishing a Traditional Knowledge Working Group to develop a position paper for international negotiations. As a result of these discussions, NAFA has agreed to co-ordinate a consultation process to lead the development of the Canadian paper on Traditional Ecological Knowledge which will be channelled through the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests.
NAFA held a conference in October 1995 with one workshop directed at assessing Aboriginal participation in the Canada's Model Forest Program. This program was established in 1992 and is now going through an evaluation. NAFA's Board Chairman, Willie Wilson, is sitting as a member of that Evaluation Committee and NAFA has provided him with support to bring forward the particular concerns of Aboriginal participants in the Model Forest Program. Once the evaluation is completed a decision will be made about continuing the program and improving its functioning.
NAFA has worked through many meetings, conference, workshops and committees to bring Aboriginal participation to the forefront at the provincial level. During NAFA's October 1995 conference, a workshop was held to examine Aboriginal participation through provincial policy changes, particularly in British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Changes in British Columbia and Ontario's provincial policy are outlined in NAFA's report, Aboriginal Forestry: Significant Developments and Events 1992-1995.
As mentioned above, NAFA has prepared a position paper, Assessment of the Need for Aboriginal Compliance with Sustainable Forest Management and Forest Product Certification Systems (March 1996) which fully describes the two processes NAFA has been involved with: the Canadian Standards Association Technical Committee and the Forest Stewardship Council's Canadian Working Group. Both of these processes are designed to develop voluntary, market-driven, non-governmental approaches to certifying sustainable forest management systems. Aboriginal communities will be affected by these processes both as contractors supplying wood to mills and as participants in forest managementplanning. Both processes recognize and outline measures for the protection of Aboriginal rights.
The Canadian Standards Association process has been underway for close to two years and a standard is nearing completion. NAFA has not yet endorsed the CSA standard. A final standard will be discussed at a Technical Committee meeting in May 1996, after which NAFA will assess the final product. If the standard is approved, it will probably be at least one more year before the system is functioning. The Forest Stewardship Council has just begun to develop regional standards to meet its Forest Management Principles and NAFA will be involved in their Standards Writing exercise.
Education and training is a part of NAFA's Aboriginal Forest Strategy and encouraging more Aboriginal students to undertake formal natural resource management training is a major part of this strategy. To do this, NAFA has been working with post-secondary institutions to improve the climate at these institutions for Aboriginal students, by providing support services and also by adopting and changing curriculum to incorporate Aboriginal forest issues and values. NAFA sits on a number of post-secondary advisory committees to carry out this work, including the Banff School of Management, Lakehead University Faculty of Forestry, Sault College Aboriginal Resource Technician Program, University of British Columbia Faculty of Forestry First Nations Curriculum Committee and the University of Toronto Faculty of Forestry. An example of the products these committees produce is the recent Forests, Post-secondary Education, and Aboriginal People: A Framework for Partnership and Action by P.N. Duinker, J.K. Naysmith and J.J. Crichlow (1996), a NODA/NFP Technical Report TR-20. The report was a result of a consultation process co-ordinated by Lakehead University with Aboriginal involvement, including NAFA.
NAFA PARTICIPATION IN MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PROCESSES
ORGANIZING BODY
MULTI-STAKEHOLDER BODY
SPONSOR AGENCY
PURPOSE
STATUS
Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM)
National Forest Strategy (NFS)
Steering Committee (1 Seat)
CFS:
To develop annual reviews, communication strategies, etc., for implementation of NFS
Ongoing
NFS Coalition (1 Seat):
To advise the CCFM and oversee implementation of the NFS.
Ongoing
NFS Coalition Evaluation Committee:
To set the Terms of Reference & monitor progress of an evaluation of the National
Forest Strategy set to expire in 1997
Criteria and Indicators (C&I) for Sustainable Forest Management Technical Committee:
C&I were agreed to by CCFM & published in Defining Sustainable Forest Management:
A Canadian Approach to Criteria and Indicators (March 1995). The Technical Cttee is
developing data gathering & measurement guidelines for C&I. Aboriginal issues are
in Criterion Six, Accepting Society's Responsibility for Sustainable Development.
Ongoing
The Montreal Process
Another C& I process with other countries agreeing to Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation & Sustainable Management of Temperate & Boreal Forests (Feb/95). Aboriginal issues are contained in Criterion 7, Legal, institutional and economic framework for forest conservation & sustainable management. A Canadian committee is working with Canadian C&I Criterion Six to develop reporting protocol for Canada.
Ongoing
Environment Canada Biodiversity Convention Office, International Affairs Directorate
Advisory Committee on the Implementation of the Biodiversity Convention:
NAFA has been involved with this process through the Biodiversity Convention Office, the Assembly of First Nation's Ad Hoc Committee on Biodiversity & the Indigenous
Biodiversity Information Project
Ongoing
Canadian Forest Service
Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (IPF)
United Nations:
NAFA has been part of briefing sessions by CFS on work of IPF whose mandate is to
co-ordinate all activities relating to UNCED 1992 forestry commitments. NAFA is discussing with CFS the establishment of a Traditional Knowledge working group and development of a position paper on the subject for international UN forest negotiations
Canadian Forest Service
Model Forest Network:
NAFA brought together Aboriginal participants to discuss common concerns during NAFA
conference Oct/95. NAFA Chairman Willie Wilson is member of Program Evaluation which will report, among other things, on Aboriginal participation in the Model Forest Program.
Ongoing
Cdn Assoc of Native Development Officers (CANDO):
Liaise on common issues.
Ongoing
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Senior Provincial Policy Committee
Established from Class EA recommendation. To review appropriateness of policies at a provincial level for planning & mgmt of natural resources, review funding levels
associated with prov policy implement'n, determine inter-relational effects of policies, consider recommend'ns from Senior Technical Cttee and act as standing advisory cttee to MNR on matters referred to above.
First meeting May/94. Ongoing
Class Environmental Assessment for Timber Management in Ontario, Condition 77
Implementation:
NAFA has participated in and supported discussions with Ontario First Nations through the Chiefs of Ontario to ensure implementation of Class EA Condition 77 which recommends the OMNR provide more business opportunities to First Nations in the forest sector
National Aboriginal Forestry Association
Aboriginal Forestry Training & Employment Review (AFTER):
Human Resources Canada Industrial Adjustment Service
NAFA led. To improve examining Aboriginal labour and education participation in forest
sector.
Phases I & II completed; Phase III launched Aug/95:
Indian Affairs/Canadian Forest Service/NAFA
Planning and policy co-ordination committee.
To increase Aboriginal participation in the forest sector
Ongoing
Canadian Standards Association
Sustainable Forest Management (SFM):
To develop standards/guidelines "to enhance the effective application of a
Sustainable Forest Management system to all types of forestry organizations in the public and/or private sector. Commenced June 1994.
Ongoing
Forest Stewardship Council
Canadian Working Group:
To develop regional standards to "promote environmentally responsible, socially
beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests" based on FSC's Principles for Forest Management
Ongoing
Education Institutions
Banff School of Management:
Advisory
Ongoing
Lakehead University Faculty of Forestry:
Advisory
Ongoing
Sault College Aboriginal Resource Technician Program:
Advisory
Ongoing
University of British Columbia Faculty of Forestry First Nations Curriculum Committee:
Advisory
Ongoing
University of Toronto Faculty of Forestry:
Advisory
Ongoing
NAFA is also involved in many consultations with regional and local Aboriginal communities, organizations and businesses on forestry issues.
ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES:
PRESENTATIONS BY NAFA STAFF
APRIL 1995-MARCH 1996
April 3, 1995
Toronto, ON
Workshop on changes to Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources legislation and regulation, Toronto
April 4
Toronto, ON
Presentation to Resource Ethics Class, University of Toronto
April 10-13, 1995
Toronto, ON
Metamorphosis 95: Skills Development for Aboriginal Economic Development Officers
April 21-23
Grand Marais, MN
Workshop with Dryden Area Tribal Council Chiefs on forest sector opportunities
April 23-26
Calgary, AB
Focusing our Resources: A national forum on resource development and management on the
traditional First Nations territories.
May 15-16
Blind River, ON
Condition 77 Implementation meeting with Union of Ontario Indians
May 29-June 1
Saskatoon, SK
International Conference on sustainable Forests: Global Challenges and Local
Solutions, sponsored by Prince Albert Model Forest Association
June 10-12
Vancouver, BC
Social Investment Organization Round Table on the Forest Products Industry at Values Added Investing Conference
July 5
Nipissing First Nation North Bay, ON
Union of Ontario Indians Forestry Committee meeting on Condition 77 Implementation
July 7
Kenora, ON
Treaty #3 meeting to discuss Indian Land Forestry Program additional allocation
July 17-18
Toronto, ON
Canadian Standards Association Sustainable Forest Management System Technical Committee meeting
August 10
Ottawa
Aboriginal Forestry Training & Employment Review Committee meeting
August 19-23
Halifax, NS
Presentation to Canadian Institute of Forestry Annual Meeting
Sept. 9-14, 1995
Prince George, BC
Economic Commission for Europe/Food & Agriculture Organization/International Labour Organization International Forestry Seminar, "Exploring Multiple Use & Ecosystem Management: From Policy to Operational Practices," presentation on need for Aboriginal criterion for sustainable forest management.
Sept. 23-26
Winnipeg, MB
Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers National Economic Development Conference, "Partners for Progress". Panelist on "Forestry and Economic Development"
Sept. 28-30
Winnipeg, MB
Canadian Aboriginal Science and Technology Society Third Annual Conference,
"Celebrating Aboriginal Scientific Successes-Balancing Technology with
Environment". Presentation on "Aboriginal Forest Land Management Guidelines: The What, Why and How"
October 18
Toronto, ON
Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto. Presentation to undergraduate class
October 23-25
Ottawa, ON
National Aboriginal Forestry Association Conference, "Lessons in the Making"
November 7
Toronto, ON
Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto Advisory Committee. Presentation on Aboriginal issues
November 9
Fort Frances, ON
Fort Frances Area Tribal Council. Presentation on current issues in Aboriginal forestry, including Aboriginal Forest Land Management Guidelines and implications of provincial policy & legislative changes
Nov. 16-17
Ottawa, ON
Aboriginal Career Symposium. Two workshops on "Considering a Career in Natural
Resource Management?"
November 21
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
North Shore Tribal Council. Presentation to Forestry Unit staff on Aboriginal Forest Land Management Guidelines
November 30, 1995
Toronto, ON
Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto International Forestry Conference,
"Conservation of Northern Forests". Member of panel on "Forest Communities and Community Forests"
January 15-19, 1996
Port Hardy, BC
Introduction to Aboriginal Forest Land Management course, with Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
January 22-23
Vancouver, BC
Aboriginal Forestry Training & Employment Review Committee Phase III meeting, with
government, industry and education institutions from BC
January 24-25, 1996
Timmins, ON
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Northeast Region workshop on Aboriginal
participation in forestry: "Working Together II"
February 6-7
Ottawa, ON
Meetings of the Criteria & Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management Technical
Committee & Intergovernmental Panel on Forests
February 12-16
Whitehorse, YK
Introduction to Aboriginal Forest Land Management course, with Council of Yukon First
Nations, DIAND and Yukon Conservation Society
February 16-18
Grainau, Germany
Presentation on Aboriginal Forestry to the 17th Annual Canadian Studies Conference,
sponsored by the Canadian Embassy
February 22-23
Vancouver, BC
Native Investment Trade Association Aboriginal Forestry Conference
February 28
Toronto, ON
Chiefs of Ontario meeting on implementation of Condition 77 of the Class Environmental
Assessment for Timber Management on Crown Lands in Ontario
February 22-23
Vancouver, BC
Native Investment & Trade Association, Aboriginal Forestry Conference
March 19-20
Thunder Bay, ON
Introduction to Aboriginal Forest Land Management course, Fort William First Nation
March 22, 1996
Thunder Bay, ON
NAFA Workshop on Assessment of the Need for First Nation Compliance with Sustainable
Forest Management Systems
March 27-28
Wikwemikong, ON
Wikwemikong First Nation workshop on Community Forest
March 28
Prince Albert, SK
NAFA Workshop on Assessment of the Need for First Nation Compliance with Sustainable
Forest Management Systems
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