b"INDIGENOUS LAND STEWARDSHIPThe University of British Columbia's Faculty of Forestry has embraced a 21st century holistic approach with its introduction of a Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship program. The program's first cohort of students will graduate in 2028.Indigenous Laws, ecological knowledge,governance, land-use planning, andrenewal and possibility. It reminds us that and scientific research can be wovenenvironmental policy, he said. I seethe solutions to todays environmental together to create stronger, commu- myself contributing to comprehen- challenges are not only scientific or nity-driven solutions. sive community planning, co-manage- technological but cultural, ethical and ment initiatives, and nation-buildingdeeply human.The program is still young, but its aspi- efforts that prioritize Indigenous Laws, rations are bold. Students from the firstself-determination and sustainableFor Drew Brown and his classmates, the cohort will graduate with the class ofland relationships. journey is personal as much as profes-2028, and plans are already underwaysional. For Garry Merkel, its the fulfil-for certificates and professional devel- What unites mentor and student is ament of a vision decades in the making, opment modules to expand its reach.shared conviction that education mustnow quietly taking root in the minds Merkel sees this as a way not only to trainreconnect people with their ethicalof a new generation. This quiet revo-professionals, but also to help Nationsplace in the world. Merkel puts it plainly:lution may never be televised, but its build economies rooted in IndigenousWere teaching people to understandimpact will shape the headlines we see, Worldviews. Building a few successfulthose foundations and then turn them businesses is one thing, he cautions.into policy and law so that communi- transforming stories of wildfires, floods Building an economy is a whole differentties can build their stewardship systemsand collapsing ecosystems into ones thing. Thats what were preparing forfrom that framework.of resurgence, renewal and possibility.economies and governance systemsTogether, they are charting a path where grounded in land ethics. In a time when climate crises, biodiver- Indigenous governance, land ethics, and sity loss, and wildfire disasters dominateecological science do not compete but For Brown, the path forward feels clear.headlines, the BILS program offers aconverge, and where caring for the land Its preparing me to work in Indigenousvery different story: one of resurgence,becomes caring for the future.Indigenous BUSINESS REPORT51"