Indigenous Resource Network Executive Director John Desjarlais/IRN

By John Desjarlais

September 16, 2024

Canada has a rich history in forestry, extending back to confederation and reaching far into the past with Indigenous communities utilizing the country’s forests for various purposes. For instance, cedar holds significant cultural importance for the First Nations on Canada’s West Coast. Canada is home to 10% of the world’s forests , with 362 million hectares, or 40% of Canada’s territory. The forestry sector contributed $33.7 billion to Canada’s economy in 2022 (nominal GDP), a 30% increase from 2020. Increasingly, that contribution is shared by the Indigenous economy, with about 1,400 Indigenous-owned businesses represented and 11,600 Indigenous Canadians employed in the sector, all contributing significantly to their communities and to Canada.

Climate change and the rising threat of forest fires have caused millions of dollars in damage, destroyed homes, and, tragically, claimed lives. Some of the major contributing factors to that spiralling damage can be addressed through Indigenous-led forestry practices. Indigenous forestry workers and entrepreneurs are leading the way in innovative solutions, responsible development, and sustainable practices.

The Indigenous-led forestry industry can lead Canada’s economy to finding unique innovative solutions to the problems facing decision makers. The Indigenous Resource Network’s latest project, the documentary Stewards of the Forest, explores first-hand how Indigenous communities are facing these issues, and at the same time how Indigenous workers are leading the way in pioneering innovative solutions.

Climate Change and Forest Fires

In 2023, Canada experienced one of the worst wildfire seasons on record, resulting in loss to homes and critical infrastructure, and posing risks to public safety and the health of Canada’s natural ecosystem. Given the increasing impacts of climate change, more severe and frequent wildfires are a reality Canada must face and prepare for while we mitigate the devastating and costly impacts. Clearly, First Nations, Indigenous, and even Inuit communities  are at a higher risk of forest fires. In August 2023, the city of Yellowknife issued an evacuation order over forest fires. As early as May of this year, Doig River First Nation and Fort Nelson First Nation issued evacuation orders for their communities early in the season.

Historically, forest fires have been seen as a natural part of the forest lifecycle; but climate change has resulted in more frequent and severe fires that have devastating consequences. In 2023 alone, forest fires generated 2.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and cost our country $1 billion.

Through Indigenous-led, sustainable, and responsible forest management, the forest sector can lead solutions to help improve wildfire resiliency by removing sources of fuel on the ground to lower the intensity of wildfires, and increase both capacity and on-the-ground resources for Indigenous communities.

Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices, particularly prescribed burning, offer valuable insights into sustainable Indigenous forest management. First Nations, Indigenous , and Inuit communities have used cultural burning over millennia to manage forests, grasslands, and savannas. These controlled burns reduce fuel load, promote new growth, and maintain biodiversity, effectively reducing the risk and severity of wildfires.

Modern methods of forest management should integrate these Indigenous practices to promote holistic solutions facing Canada’s ecosystem. By collaborating with Indigenous communities, we can blend traditional knowledge with contemporary science to create more resilient landscapes. This includes regenerating harvested areas with trees better adapted to future climate conditions and employing tree thinning and careful harvesting to remove decay and debris that can fuel wildfires. Foresters, alongside Indigenous firekeepers, can actively monitor and adjust harvesting schedules to favor older, insect-damaged, high-risk stands.

To unlock the potential of Indigenous-led and forest-based solutions to wildfire impacts, government support is essential. This includes:

• Indigenous ownership: Increase the access to capital for Indigenous communities to pursue ownership of forestry operations including timber, harvest areas, and in companies to help foster smarter and sustainable practices.
• Indigenous-led wildfire management: For millennia, Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, acting as stewards, have used controlled burns to manage forests and rangelands. These burns were strategically timed and placed, drawing on deep traditional knowledge of the land.
• Indigenous-led forest management: Enhancing capacity for Indigenous-led fire management by extending financial and logistical support for Indigenous communities and leveraging existing clauses and programs for their participation.
• Indigenous regulators: Elevating fire protection as a national policy objective and devolving regulatory responsibilities to Indigenous communities. Indigenous ownership over regulation can be a more efficient and proactive approach to projects and harvesting.

To their credit, governments have been proactive in engaging in positive policy development, including the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM), which recently released the Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy. Among other functions, the strategy outlines capacity for Indigenous communities to prevent and mitigate forest fires.  According to Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), “We must look at land planning and forest management through a fire lens in this country. That includes accelerating and increasing investments in fire shed mapping, supporting more active thinning and community fireproofing, and establishing a clear national effort to find valuable uses and markets for low-grade wood and biomass.”

The safety of Indigenous communities, the environment, and the health of our forests are all at stake if government and our political leaders don’t commit to proactive and urgent action that puts Indigenous communities at the forefront in Canada’s solution to climate change.

Indigenous-Led Forestry

Indigenous-led forestry plays a crucial role in managing Canada’s forests, underscoring the deep cultural, economic, and traditional connections Indigenous peoples have with the land. The forest sector’s commitment to economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities fosters opportunities for businesses and careers, ensuring Indigenous representation and talent development. This commitment is shown through real benefits for communities and workers, with the sector supporting jobs in over 400 Indigenous communities, with about 1,400 Indigenous-owned businesses represented and 11,600 Indigenous Canadians employed in the sector.

These businesses range from traditional infrastructure such as sawmills to innovative biofuel production, promoting diverse opportunities and inclusive employment for Indigenous people. Indigenous management of forest resources has increased by 135% since 2003, now encompassing more than 17 million hectares, or about 7.5% of Canada’s total managed forest area. Each Indigenous-owned business typically employs between 10 and 30 people, with many generating over $1 million in annual revenue.  This Indigenous stewardship is vital for both the preservation of cultural heritage and the economic growth of the Indigenous forestry sector.

A Beacon of Hope

Canada’s forestry sector stands at a crossroads, facing significant challenges related to the economy, climate change, and forest fires. The historical and cultural significance of forests to Indigenous communities highlights the deep-rooted connections and knowledge that can be pivotal in addressing these issues.

As Canada grapples with economic uncertainties, inflation, and slow production, the Indigenous forestry industry offers a beacon of hope. Indigenous forestry workers and entrepreneurs are spearheading innovative solutions and sustainable practices that can help navigate the country through its current economic and environmental difficulties. Through traditional knowledge, particularly in forest management and prescribed burning, Indigenous people provide invaluable insights into creating resilient landscapes and mitigating the risks of severe wildfires.

Government support is crucial to unlocking the full potential of Indigenous-led initiatives. This includes increasing access to capital, enhancing Indigenous-led wildfire management, and promoting Indigenous ownership and regulation in forestry operations. The Canadian Council of Forest Ministers’ proactive stance and the Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy are steps in the right direction, but more urgent and committed action is needed.

Ultimately, prioritizing Indigenous leadership and expertise in forestry is essential for the well-being of Canada’s forests, the safety of its communities, and the health of the environment. With collaborative efforts and strong government support, Indigenous-led forestry can be a cornerstone in driving solutions to Canada’s most pressing issues.

John Desjarlais is Executive Director of the Indigenous Resource Network and is Nehinaw Métis from Cumberland House, SK.