b'FORESTRYTraditional Knowledge is essential forOne such example of a land-based,development needs to include cultural deepening Indigenous participationculturally relevant program developedsensitivity training for non-Indigenous in the forestry sector, bringing forwardwith input from industry and Indigenousactors engaging with Indigenous rights-generations of insight that enrich sustain- communitiesistheOutland Youthholders, as this promotes inclusivity and ableforestrymanagement.RecentEmployment Program (OYEP). Launchedincreased sustained participation in the research shows that 77 per cent ofin 2000 by Outland, a division of Dexterraforestry sector.Indigenous forestry businesses incor- Group, OYEP offers participants, known porate Traditional Knowledge into theiras Rangers, the opportunity to gainGovernmentprogramsliketheIFI operations, from Elder teachings to oralpractical skills and certifications in areascontinue to support Indigenous inclu-stories and ceremonies, which help tosuch as chainsaw operation, first aid/ sion in the forestry sector by funding maintain ecological balance and sustain- CPR, bear awareness, tree planting,skills training, capacity building, and ability. 5These knowledge systems canfinancial literacy, drivers licence, forestIndigenous-led projects such as CCIBs complement and enhance modern forestfire fighting, WHMIS, heavy equipment,current research. In Ontario, the IFI management strategies, helping to createATV training, high school credits, and funded a targeted training initiative that a more viable forestry sector for the nextworkplace safety. equipped 40 First Nations participants seven generations. with work readiness skills in the forest In 2018, CCIB and OYEP released asector. 8This program continues to evolve Governments and corporations mustreport, Success After Camp: Analyzingto better align with Indigenous priorities.collaborate with Indigenous communi- Economic and Social Outcomes among ties and businesses, recognizing theirOutland Youth Employment Program leadership, inheritance rights, and theParticipants, evaluating the program inIncreasing Indigenous participation three areas: income, employment andin the forestry sector is essential for essential role of Indigenous stewardship.education. Data was gathered from 76economic reconciliation and a pathway This is key to maintaining healthy forestsIndigenous youth who attended Ontarioto cultural continuity, revitalization and and ensuring cultural continuity.OYEP camps and was compared withenvironmental sustainability for the next census data from the same communi- seven generations. Now more than INDIGENOUS YOUTHties. Initial findings indicate that OYEPever, it is critical that government and To address the labour shortage, manyparticipants have higher annual earn- industry invest in skills development, Indigenous forestry businesses haveings than comparable Indigenous popu- training and youth engagement rooted emphasized the need to invest in employ- lations in Ontario, report 30 per centin Traditional Knowledge and culturally ment and training initiatives that equiphigher employment rates, and haveinformed practices. Indigenous youth with the skills andhigher levels of educational training.experience necessary to succeed in theAs Indigenous communities continue to forestry sector. Hiring youth from withinTRAINING & SKILLS reclaim stewardship and drive economic the community helps combat socioeco- DEVELOPMENTgrowthwithintheforestsoftheir nomic challenges, nurtures independence,Ongoing training and skills developmentTraditional Territories, this is a pivotal time builds career and personal developmentare essential to increasing Indigenousto respectfully engage with Indigenous skills, and contributes to economic pros- participation and ensuring the success ofcommunities and businesses. By doing perity and cultural continuity.Indigenous employees and businessesso, we can support Indigenous leader-Previous CCIB research highlights thein the forestry industry. This is crucial toship in forest stewardship, grounded in addressing barriers such as workforceboth cultural values and modern prac-importance of tailored training programsshortages, limited access to educa- tices, and ensure Indigenous Peoples specifically designed for Indigenoustion, procurement challenges, fundingare recognized as leaders in the future youth, as the Indigenous populationrestraints, and the lack of integration ofof forestry.continues to grow at a faster rate than theIndigenous Knowledge within western non-Indigenous population. 6Accordingforestry practices. Access to culturallyReferencesto Statistics Canada, the Indigenous popu- relevant training remains a significant1https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/admin/files/lation is significantly younger than thedocuments/2025-07/StateofForestReport-2024-EN.pdfchallenge, especially for rural and remote non-Indigenous population. As of the2https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/admin/files/Indigenous communities.2021 Census, nearly one-third (34 perdocuments/2025-07/StateofForestReport-2024-EN.pdfcent) of the Indigenous population wasCCIB research with Indigenous busi- 3https://www.fpac.ca/reports/unlocking-a-future-ready- under the age of 25, compared to 27 pernesses and employees in the forestry4 workforce-for-canadas-forest-industriescent of the non-Indigenous population. 7 https://depts.washington.edu/flame/mature_forests/pdfs/sector speaks to the importance ofBraidingSweetgrassReport.pdfexpanding culturally resonant training5https://www.ccib.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Fostering cultural connection to the landand skills programs. To address theSuccess-and-Sustainability-An-Introduction-to-Indigenous-through forestry will elevate Indigenoustraining gap, governments and industryParticipation-in-the-Forestry-Sector.pdfyouth participation in the workforce,must increase financial support for6https://www.ccib.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ contributing to prosperous and sustain- Indigenous-ledinitiatives,expandSuccess-and-Sustainability-An-Introduction-to-Indigenous-Participation-in-the-Forestry-Sector.pdfable futures. This can be achieved throughentry-level and advanced programs in7https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/increased,sustainablegovernmentremote communities, and strengtheneng/1690909773300/1690909797208funding to support Indigenous youthcapacitysharingandprocurement8https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/admin/files/ pursuing careers in the forestry sector.training. Additionally, Indigenous skillsdocuments/2025-07/StateofForestReport-2024-EN.pdfIndigenous BUSINESS REPORT55'