Forest Management and Indigenous Peoples in Northern Ontario

Abstract

"One of the crucial issues facing forest managers and Indigenous communities in Canada is to develop cohesive and efficient relationships among indigenous peoples, provincial governments, and forest industry and, increasingly, environmental non-governmental organizations which are becoming significant players in determining forest management policy. This paper will examine these actors in forest management in northwestern Ontario, Canada and recent developments in policy which have coloured these relationships. Finally, a model of co-operation--'co-management' of forests--which is more in keeping with current policies to promote sustainable forest management and respect Indigenous Peoples' aspirations for self-determination, will be examined."