b'FORESTRYSUSTAINABLE FORESTRYW h y i n c r e a s i n g I n d i g e n o u s p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n t h e f o r e s t r y s e c t o r i s e s s e n t i a l f o r e n v i r o n m e n t a l s t e w a r d s h i p a n d e c o n o m i c g r o w t hBy Kristi den Admirant I nCanada,theforestrysectorIndigenous Participation in the Forestrycritical, as roles such as forest tech-continues to be a key contributorSector. CCIB continues to conductnologists, technicians, logging truck to the Indigenous economy andresearch to address gaps related todrivers, heavy equipment operators, community well-being. IndigenousIndigenous participation in the forestryand forestry labourers face significant Peoples have strong cultural andsector. This work focuses on identifyingshortages over the next decade. 3economicconnectionstotheland,best practices and exploring opportuni-and their active participation in theties for skills development and trainingTRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE forestry industry is critical for economicto better support Indigenous communi- Traditional Knowledge is increasingly growth, environmental stewardship andties and businesses. being adopted, leading to more inclu-community sustainability.sive and sustainable forestry practices Indigenous identity is deeply rooted inCURRENT LANDSCAPE in areas such as land management, forests, where Traditional Knowledge,Asof2021,over55percentofpre-harvest assessments, conservation, Ways of Being, and all living things areIndigenous Peoples live in or near forests,climate change mitigation, biomass use, interconnected in a sacred web of rela- and many carry a deep connection toand biochar production. As Traditional the land and forests as part of their iden- Knowledge systems continue to shape tionships. Forests play a vital role in inter- tity, culture and community ties. 1With generational knowledge and culturalmore than 70 per cent of Indigenoussustainable and environmental prac-continuity. By increasing Indigenouscommunities located on or near forestedtices,non-Indigenousorganiza-participation in this sector, we canland, forestry plays an important role intions and governments are gradu-strengthen pathways to economic recon- the economic and cultural landscape,ally recognizing the value and role of ciliation, foster sustainable land stew- particularly in rural and remote areas,Indigenous stewardship. ardship, and enhance cultural resiliencewhere it often serves as a primary source rooted in Indigenous culture.of employment. 2 Growing collaboration in prescribed burning, biodiversity restoration, and With funding from Natural ResourcesAccordingtothe2021Census,long-term forest planning places Canadas Indigenous Forestry InitiativeIndigenous Peoples represent six pervalue on smaller-scale, community-(IFI), CCIBs current work builds oncent of the forest sector workforce,driven practices that strengthen forest theinauguralreport,Successandaccounting for over 11,000 workers.ecosystems and enhance resilience to Sustainability:AnIntroductiontoEngaging Indigenous talent will beclimate change. 454A CCIB PUBLICATIONFall 2025'