Who Are We?
The BC First Nations Forestry Council is a non-profit organization which supports and provides services to First Nations in their efforts to increase their participation and leadership within British Columbia's Forest sector.
Our Values
Traditional Knowledge - We believe in the power of First Nations traditional knowledge to transform the forest sector, and respect that First Nations direct the use and management of that knowledge.
Rights Recognition - As the original stewards of the forest lands and resources, we respect First Nations title and rights, and that the rights of all BC First Nations individuals, businesses, and governments are respected and upheld within the forest sector.
Collaboration - We are committed to facilitating collaboration at the intersection of First Nations and the forest sector, believing strongly in the power of relationships and shared goals to bring about transformational change.
Trust - We understand that effective collaboration requires a strong foundation of trust and are invested in building and maintaining trusting relationships between all parties at the intersection of First Nations and the forest sector
Our Mission
Empower First Nations to seize opportunities and make informed decisions that will revolutionize British Columbia’s forest sector.
Through engagement, collaboration, and respect for past laws and protocols, we strive to unite diverse groups, fostering a future where First Nations play a central role in shaping the sustainable management of our forests for generations to come.
The Forestry Council does not represent the First Nations, nor is it a consultatory body.
Our Vision
A future in which British Columbia’s forest sector has been transformed by the knowledge, skills, and leadership of the province’s First Nations.
- First Nations individuals are represented at all levels of the forest sector.
- First Nations businesses are established in all sections of the forest sector.
- All BC First Nations governments are fully recognized by the province and forest sector.
- First Nations values and sustainability principles are fully integrated into the forest sector.
Governance
First Nations Forestry Council is governed by a Board of Directors composed of representatives from the First Nations Summit (FNS), the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), and the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) and a Forestry Tenure Member.
History
In September 2005, the BC First Nations Leadership Council convened a meeting of First Nations Chiefs to discuss the Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) infestation and the ways and means of accessing funds to address the situation. The meeting was held in Prince George, BC and was attended by over 100 representatives of concerned First Nations.
Participants discussed priority issues and drafted a First Nations Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan.
A First Nations Mountain Pine Beetle Working Group was struck to work with governments and others to implement the First Nations Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan.
In 2006, this Working Group was firmly established as the BC First Nations Forestry Council.
Supports & Services
Serve as trusted advisors to First Nations governments and representatives, aiming to increase forest sector participation.
Provide resources and support to Nations on key issues in dealings with government and industry (i.e. tenures, revenue sharing, joint decision-making, etc.).
Provide opportunities for First Nations to gather, share information and learn from each other on key forestry issues.
Collaborate with the provincial government on policy reform.
Identify, track and facilitate the development of forest sector business opportunities and partnerships.
Help First Nations talent discover careers in the forest sector through in-person and virtual information sessions and career fairs.
Connect First Nations students and job seekers with education, training, and job opportunities through the Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program.
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