Table&of&Contents& List%of%Acronyms%...%2 Introduction%...%3 First%Nations%Forestry%Council%Vision%...%3 Current%Situation%...%4

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2 Table&of&Contents& List%of%Acronyms%...%2 Introduction%...%3 First%Nations%Forestry%Council%Vision%...%3 Current%Situation%...%4 Table1,KeyRecommendationsSummary...5 Historical%Context%...%6 KeyConcernsidentifiedin2015:...6 The%Workshops%...%7 Table2,RegionalWorkshopAttendance...7 Overview%of%Feedback%From%Workshops%...%8 OpenForumFeedbackThemes...8 TenureVolumesandAnnualAllowableCut...8 LearningfromOtherFirstNations...8 RevenueSharing...9 OverlappingTerritories...9 Capacity...9 Monitoring...9 ClarificationandInformation...10 BridgingtheGapBetweenFNForestryVisionandGovernment...10 BreakLout%Sessions,%Key%Themes%...%10 #1AccessingOpportunitiesintheForestryIndustry,KeyThemes...11 #2FirstNationCapacity,KeyThemes...11 #3VisionofFutureForestryPractices,KeyThemes...12 #4OpportunitiesofInteresttoFirstNations,KeyThemes...12 BreakLout%Session%#2:%Climate%Change%Adaptations,%Key%Themes%...%13 1. CanweusetheClimateActionPlanplatformtoexplorecollaborationforForestry ManagementinclusiveofFN svalues? HowcanFLNROsupportuseofFN sexpertiseintraditionalecological KnowledgetoinformandplanClimateChangePrograms? HowcanwecollaboratewithFN sonclimatechangeinitiativesandplanning?.14 Recommendations%...%15 1. Information%Sharing%...%15 2. Planning%Support%...%17 3. Employment%and%Training%...%18 4. Tenure%and%Policy%Reform%...%19 5. Business%to%Business%Relationships%...%20 6.%%%Industry%Supply%Chain%Analysis%and%FN%Gaps%...%21 Conclusion...22 Document%Review%...%23 1

3 List%of%Acronyms%& AAC AllowableAnnualCut ABCFP AssociationofBCForestProfessionalsBCBritishColumbia FAC ForestAppealsCommission FCARs FCRSA FNFC FNWL ForestConsultationandRevenueSharingAgreements ForestConsultationandRevenueSharingAgreements BCFirstNationsForestryCouncil FirstNationsWoodlandLicence FRA ForestandRangeAgreement FRO ForestandRangeOpportunity MARR MSAA MFLNRO MinistryofAboriginalRelationsandReconciliation MiscellaneousStatutesAmendmentAct MinistryofForests,LandsandNaturalResourceOperations RPF RegisteredProfessionalForester SEA StrategicEngagementAgreement TFL TreeFarmLicence TOA TimberOpportunityAgreement TSA TimberSupplyArea FGC ForestGeneticsCouncil(FGC) 2

4 % Introduction% First%Nations%Forestry%Council%Vision% Ahealthyforestecosystemthatcontinuestosustainandenhancethecultural, spiritual,environmental,economicandsociallivesoftheoriginalownersandcaretakers andismanagedthroughrespectfulgovernmentktokgovernmentandcommunity relationshipsbasedonrecognitionandrespect. InJanuaryandFebruaryof2017,TheFirstNationsForestryCouncil(FNFC)hostedfour Regional Workshops. The FNFC acts under resolutions from the BCAFN, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs; these 2017 Regional Workshops were made possiblewithfinancialsupportfromtheministryofforests,landsandnaturalresource Operations(FLNRO). The 2017 regional workshops flowed from feedback received during three regional forums held in May The 2015 forums brought together First Nations political leadership and technical staff with representatives from the government of British Columbia to discuss critical issues at the heart of the CrownKFirst Nations forestry relationship. In 2015, the Province began to negotiate agreements with First Nations in hopes of increasingstabilityonlands.threecategoriesofagreementswerenegotiatedwiththe goal to establish a partnership between First Nations and the Province in the managementoftheforestrysector. 1. SupportforbusinessKtoKbusinessopportunities 2. Supportforbusinessacquisitionanddevelopment 3. Strategiclandmanagementinitiatives The 2017 regional workshops consisted of presentations made by the Ministry of Forests,LandsandNaturalResourcesOperations(FLNRO),BCTimberSales(BCTS)and TheFirstNationsForestryCouncil.Theprimaryfocusoftheseworkshopswastoshare the BC Government s strategy for forestry and gain feedback in an attempt to operationalizetheprovincialfirstnationsforestrystrategy. 3

5 Current%Situation% TheForestryIndustryinBritishColumbiaishighlyregulatedandfragmentedintermsof how many public, private, government and nonkgovernment entities research, plan, manage and regulate the Industry. First Nations quality and way of life have been profoundlyimpactedbyforestrypracticesinbritishcolumbia. ForestsonFirstNationuncededterritorieshavebeenallocatedto3rd partyentitieswithlittletonointerestinengagingfirstnation s participation Research,policies,plansandregulatorysystemshavebeencreatedand enforcedwithoutmeaningfulconsultationfromfirstnations FirstNationshavenotandstilldonothavethecapacitytocreate informedlongktermplanstoparticipateintheforestryindustryinaway thatismeaningfultofirstnationsvalues,cultureandeconomic development As demonstrated in the feedback from participants of the recent 2017 Regional Workshops, fulfilling the capacity gaps and other needs from First Nations is currently aninsurmountabletask.unlessfirstnationsaresupportedtoproperlyengageandcok create longkterm plans the Forestry Industry will continue to destabilize. These longk term plans pertaining to FN partnership in the Forestry Industry will create a starting pointforthesoughtkafternewrelationshipbetweenfirstnationsandgovernment. ThelegalrightsofFirstNationshasbeengainingclarityoverthepast50yearsbeginning withthecalderdecisionintheearly1970 s;mostrecentlythehistoricsupremecourtof Canada decision in the Tsilhqot in Nation s case has made it clear that Aboriginal Title does exist across large areas of territory. It is now clear to most First Nations and Industry alike that Aboriginal title includes full beneficial interest on their Traditional Territories. The current position of the Province s Forestry management and planning regime was established in 2003 with the Forest Revitalization Plan. Current revenue sharing and consultationmodelsstillreflecttheideathataboriginaltitleexistsonlyinsmallareas representing approximately 1% K 3% of the total claimed territories. Little meaningful 4

6 negotiations or engagement has occurred over the past 15 years to correct this outk datedmodel. Based on the current extensive gaps between First Nations and the Province, the authors of this report have identified key themes that respond to the numerous and overwhelming requests from First Nations for financial and capacity support. The following 5 key themes, if adequately supported will become the foundation upon whichfirstnationsandtheprovincecouldmoveintoatruepartnershiprelationshipin themanagementoftheforestrysectorinbc. The following key recommendations are further elaborated upon in the Recommendationssection,page15,ofthisreport: Table%1,%Key%Recommendations%Summary% 1 Information& Sharing& 2 FN&Planning& Support& 3 Employment&&& Training& 4 Tenure&and&Policy& Reform& 5 Business&to& Business&Support& 6 FN&Industry&Supply& Chain&Analysis&and& Blueprint&Strategy& & First Nationsrequire correct& timely information to be able tocometothetablewithbusiness,industryorgovernmentto properly plan economic development, forest management or employmentandtrainingobjectives. First Nations require access to funds to develop and present comprehensive business plans, feasibility studies or forest management plans. With this support First Nations will be betterabletocollaboratebasedontheirownvisionoffuture ForestryPracticesontheirterritories. Adequate Forestry Sector information and planning data needs to be shared with First Nations to enable them to determine the nature of training programs required for community members to become gainfully employed in ForestryIndustryrelatedcareers. Tenure planning and other policies cannot be adequately addressed until First Nations have a clear vision for Forest ManagementandLandUseontheirterritories. Government and First Nations will need to establish a collaborative model to ensure that businessktokbusiness relationshipsareeffectivelyestablished. A Forestry Industry Supply Chain Analysis with FN Gaps Analysis would clarify how to maximize First Nations appropriateparticipationintheforestrysector.aspartofthe aboveanalysisablueprintstrategyshouldbecreatedforfirst NationsparticipationintheForestryIndustry. 5

7 % Historical%Context% Theregionalforumsheldin2015resultedinareportwithseveralkeyconcerns,which flowedintorecommendations.toaddcontexttothekeythemescollectedfromthe 2017regionalforums,itisimportanttorevisitthesekeyconcerns.Muchofthe commentsandfeedbackcollectedduringthe2017regionalworkshopsechothesame keyconcernsidentifiedin2015.the2015recommendationscanalsobedealtwithby followingthe5recommendationsinthisreport. Key%Concerns%identified%in%2015:% 1. RevenueSharingisinsufficientinscopeandquantum 2. InsufficientTenureVolumeandDurationcreateschallengesforFirstNationsto realizeeconomicreturnsormakelongtermgrowth/businessplans. 3. TheFCRSAconsultationapproachthroughthecurrentMatrixmodeldoesnot meetcurrentlegalstandardsonthedutytoconsultandaccommodate.thereis noclearpathwaytomeaningfulshareddecisionmakingtheretheauthorityand jurisdictionoffirstnationsarisingfromaboriginaltitleisrespected. 4. CapacityDevelopmentforGovernance,BusinessDevelopment,Trainingand EmploymentGoalscannotbeestablishedwiththecurrentshortKtermnatureof thecurrentmodel.further,lowrevenuesharingdoesnotallowfirstnationsto adequatelybuildtheirlocalcommunity seconomyinrelationtotheforestry Industry. 5. TheCrownKFirstNationsrelationshipintheForestrySectorhasbeenthesource ofdeeplegalandpoliticalconflict,effectivelyweakeningbritishcolumbia s abilitytorealizethegoalofstabilizingtheforestryindustry. 6

8 The%Workshops% FourWorkshopsweredeliveredbytheFNFC: 1. NorthVancouver January24 th, Nanaimo January31 st, PrinceGeorge February21 st, Kamloops February28 th,2017 Theworkshopswerewellattendedbyrepresentativesfromtheprovince,FirstNations andfirstnationsbusinesses.seventykfivefirstnationsandfirstnationsbusinesses wererepresentedatthesesessions. Table%2,%Regional%Workshop%Attendance% Location Forestry Council FirstNation Reps. Province Totals Vancouver Nanaimo PrinceGeorge Kamloops Totals TheRegionalWorkshopsincludedopenforumsandbreakKoutsessionsfollowing presentationsfromtheministryofforests,landsandnaturalresourceoperations (FLNRO)andBCTimberSales(BCTS).Presentationswerefollowedbyopenforum discussionsandbreakoutsessionstogatherinsight,feedbackandrecommendations. Thepresentationsarelistedbelowandcopiesofthesepresentationscanbe downloadedatthefnfc swebsite. UpdateonProvincialFirstNationsForestryStrategy:FLNRO,BCTS WorkforceInitiativesPresentation:FNFC FirstNationsForestryCouncilMembershipUpdate:FNFC ClimateChangeAdaptation:FLNRO SoftwoodLumberAgreement:FLNRO 7

9 Overview%of%Feedback%From%Workshops% This report outlines the broad themes, collected through open discussion and two breakout sessions during the onekday regional workshops. As evidenced in feedback received during 2017 Regional Workshops, the individual needs of First Nations are numerous. Without a stable and informed foundation, First Nations, Government and IndustrywillnotbeabletoreconcileaNewRelationshipbasedonpartnershipprinciples intheconceivablefuture. Withoutthisfoundationforchange,itislikelythatthefutureoftheForestryIndustry willbedecidedinthesupremecourtincanada.atthistimetherearemorethan200 casesinprogressthatwillcontinuetoclarifyfirstnationsrightfulroleinfutureindustry activities. Open%Forum%Feedback%Themes% BelowarethekeythemesfromtheopenforumsessionfollowingFLNROandBCTS presentationonthefirstnationsprovincialforestrystrategy. Tenure%Volumes%and%Annual%Allowable%Cut% There were numerous comments that the tenure volumes, the Annual Allowable Cuts andtimbervalueforpinebeetledamagedproductareinsufficientforfirstnationsto gain viable economic returns. The Province assured participants that this would be takenunderadvisement. Learning%from%Other%First%Nations% SomeFirstNationshavehadgreatsuccesswiththeiragreementswiththeProvinceand subsequentlysuccesswiththeirrelatedbusinessesintheforestryindustry.participants consistentlycommentedthattheywouldliketoknowofthesesuccessstories.further to the success stories, First Nations representatives also wanted to learn about First NationsthathadexperienceddifficultiesandbusinessfailuresintheForestryIndustry. Whatparticipantsarelookingtoidentifyisthebestandworstpracticesbasedonother FirstNation sexperiencesintheforestrysector. 8

10 Revenue%Sharing% Participantsechoed,asin2015,thatthecurrentrevenuesharingregimeisinadequate. Participantswereeducatedthatthe3K5%ofrevenuesharingundertheFCRSAdoesnot adequately reflect Aboriginal Title interests. This should be a key concern for the ProvincetopreventfurtherlegalactionbyBCFirstNations.Revenuesharingboundaries oftenexcludeportionsofafirstnations territory.additionally,commentsweremade thatrevenuesharingpolicymustreflectmorerevenuestreamsreflectingallrevenuesof the Forestry Sector. Chief Don Harris would like to review the formula for revenue sharing. Overlapping%Territories% All First Nations have overlapping territories. This coupled with First Nations partners fulfilling their Annual Allowable Cuts by moving onto neighbouring First Nations territoriesstrainrelationshipsbetweenfirstnations.afewfirstnationsrepresentatives commented that Corporations are encroaching further into other FN s woodlots to makeupallowablecutsandthisprocessiscausinginstabilitybetweenfirstnations.in certain areas there are up to 12 different communities that overlap. First Nations tenure holders are required to consult, agree and work with all other overlapping communitiestoqualifyforanannualallowablecut. Capacity% First Nations require capacity in numerous areas to be prepared to come to the table withtheprovinceonfutureforestrypractices.untilfirstnationsaregiventhebudgets necessary to create Land Use Plans, Feasibility Studies, Forest Management Strategies and business plans, they will not be able to adequately advise on policy creation or createagreementswiththeprovincethatrespectfullyacknowledgeaboriginaltitleand rights. Monitoring% Variousparticipantsspokeofwitnessingtruckaftertruckoflogsleavingtheirterritories. First Nations are generally not able to participate as stewards of their lands through Guardianship programs or Monitoring programs. First Nations witness slash piles with largelogsandusablefibreyettheyhavenoaccesstothesematerials.commentsfrom participantsdemonstrateaneedforfirstnationsmemberswithtraditionalknowledge or extensive forestry management experience to have access to career positions wherebytheirknowledgeisacceptedasequaltothatofanonkcommunitymemberwith acertificateordegree. 9

11 Historically, forests on Traditional Territories have been allocated to third parties through a tenure system, created without meaningful consultation, which has contributedtolongktermexploitationofbcforests. Clarification%and%Information% Participants requested clarity on a number of topics from the Province. Without this clarity,theoldregimeandstandardsarenotlikelytochangeandtensionswillcontinue to increase leading to further legal disputes. Ongoing information was requested for FirstNationsinanumberofareas.Feedbacksuggestedsomeofthoseareastobe: Clarificationonaccesstosupportforbusinessacquisitionanddevelopment ClarifyonwhatthelegalrequirementsareforBCTStoconsultand accommodate ProvideanexampleofComprehensiveForestryAgreement InformationortoseetheTransitionModelaspertheProvincespresentation Bridging%the%Gap%Between%FN%Forestry%Vision%and%Government% Many participants spoke to the need for the Industry to plan based on a 1,500 year cycle. In the view of First Nations participants, an old growth cedar forest takes 1,500 years to fully mature. Currently, the Forest Sector plans to harvest 1% of BC s forest resourcesperyear.thisonlyallowsfora100kyearcycle.itwastheviewofparticipants itiscrucialtoplanfortherekestablishmentofoldgrowthforeststoensurehealthyand factuallysustainableforestmanagementpractices. BreakLout%Sessions,%Key%Themes% The 2017 Regional Workshops had two breakout sessions that were facilitated by Mahigan Research and Development and the First Nations Forestry Council. The first breakoutsessionaskedthefollowingfourquestionsofparticipants: 1) HowdoyousuggestFirstNationsAccessOpportunitiesintheForestryIndustry? 2) WheredoesyourFirstNationhaveCapacitytobeinvolvedwithForestryand Wheredoyouneedcapacity? 3) WhatisyourvisionoffutureForestrypractices? 4) WhatopportunitieswouldyouliketoseeyourFNgetinvolvedwith? 10

12 Thissectionhighlightsthemescollectedduring45minutefacilitatedsessionspertaining tothequestionsabove.thecommentswereextremelydiverseandinsightful.therefore the authors have chosen to present them to you in bulleted format. All feedback presentedbelowrepresentsthekeythemesfromeachsession. #1%%Accessing%Opportunities%in%the%Forestry%Industry,%Key%Themes% PlanningforOldGrowthForests RegionalCollaborationOpportunities StewardshipPlanning LandUsePlanning FirstNationsForestManagementStrategies FirstNationsForestManagementPoliciesandStandards TenureReform ForestCarbonInitiatives Partnerships Providingservicestoindustryie.roadbuilding,vegetationmanagement, traditionalvegetationnurseries,forestrevitalization,forestmonitoring, transportation,fuelsupply,safetysupply,environmentalservices Accessslashpilesandfibre,fullfibreutilizationisnotjustaboutprofit AccesstowoodtocreatevalueKaddedproductsie.laminate,doors,crown mouldingetc. FNGuidebookstoteachFN showtointeract,withabusinessand conservationmodel,withcurrenttenuresandtenureholders #2%%%First%Nation%Capacity,%Key%Themes% Participants had much more to share in terms of their lack of capacity then what capacitytheirfirstnationhas.capacityforfirstnationsisrequiredinnumerousareas; however,withoutfirstnationsplanningtoparticipateintheforestryindustry,itisalso difficult to plan specific areas of capacity building needs for the long term. Below are some of the common areas First Nations stated they need capacity in. The few participantsthatdidhavesomecapacitywerenotrepresentativeofthemajority. BusinessDevelopment:InternalPolicy,BusinessPartnerships,Business Planning,FeasibilityStudies,Business/proposalWriters EnvironmentalAssessmentandMonitoringwithintegrationoftraditional knowledge 11

13 RelationshipManagers TrainedArchaeologists LegalStrategies,LegalUnderstanding OfficeSpaceandadequateequipmentandsoftware FirstNationsForestryWardens TimberCruisers AccesstoForestryBestPracticesandNewTechnology NeedinternalframeworktoassessslashKpilesinatimelymanner(before pilegetsburned) #3%%Vision%of%Future%Forestry%Practices,%Key%Themes% FirstNationswant150yearK1,500yearplanningforproperForest regeneration,especiallyhighvaluespecies:westernredcedar PropermonitoringandstewardshiptoensurehealthytraditionalForests remain Foreststobemaintainedandenjoyedbycommunityandanimals ForeststoprovidetraditionalmedicinesandsupportwildlifeKensureFN s communitiescanstillliveofftheland,agroforestry FNtoselectivelyharvestprimewood,focusonthelogvslogging NationtoNationtrading/sellingofTimberandvalueaddedwoodproducts ConsultationprocessthatrespectsFirstNationsTitleandRights KnowtraditionalknowledgefromElders Newrelationshipsbasedon50yearagreements FN sunifiedbestmanagementpractices Movefromconsultationtocollaboration #4%%Opportunities%of%Interest%to%First%Nations,%Key%Themes% AccesstononKtimberforestproducts CreatevalueKaddedproductsfromtimber CarbonCreditProgram AgroforestryOpportunities SalvageSlash/Burnpiles Accesstocontractopportunitiesie.environmentalmonitoring Identifyandpreserveculturalheritagesites BiomassFibreAgreements PlantingandSilviculture CreationofintegratedbusinessplansforFN stoworktogether 12

14 & BreakLout%Session%#2:%Climate%Change%Adaptations,% Key%Themes% FLNROrepresentatives,theFNFCRepresentativesandMahiganfacilitators,hostedthe secondbreakoutsession.belowisthescopeofkeythemesastohowfirstnationsees themselvesparticipatinginforestmanagementstrategiesthroughtheclimateaction Plan. 1.%%% Can%we%use%the%Climate%Action%Plan%platform%to%explore% collaboration%for%forestry%management%inclusive%of%fn s% Values?% FulldisclosuretoFN sonclimatechangeresearchandplanning UseClimateActionPlandollarstosupportFN slanduseplansandforest ManagementStrategiesinclusiveofTraditionalKnowledge GiveFN sthesupporttoputforwardtheirownclimateactionplan PlanforFirstNationstomonitorClimateActionbenchmarks,implementation WorkwithFirstNationstoassesswaterquality&temperaturesKwhatarethe effectsofwaterqualityonotherresourcevalues CanClimateActionPlanscopesupportFoodSecurityPlanning? CanFirstNationsworkwiththeClimateActionPlantoplanforFirstNations andgovernmenttoworktogetherforwildfiremanagement? CanClimateActionPlan sscopeincludefirstnationsaccesstomappingtools, softwareandequipment? 2.%%%% How%can%FLNRO%support%use%of%FN s%expertise%in%traditional% Ecological%Knowledge%to%inform%and%plan%Climate%Change% Programs?% EnableFNFCtoworkwithFN stoidentifycommunitymemberswith TraditionalEcologicalKnowledgeandgatherthisknowledgeforuseinFN ForestryManagementStrategiesandLandUsePlans WorkwithFirstNation seldersonoldgrowthmanagementplans WorkwithFirstNation sknowledgekeeperstoascertaintraditionalusemaps suchaswheremedicinesandfoodswereharvested,plantinventorystudies 13

15 WorkwithFN stodevelopenhancedforestpracticesinclusiveofspeciesat riskrevitalizationplans FNFCtoworkwithFLNROtodeterminecertificationprocessesforFirstNation memberstogainaccreditationfortheirtraditionalknowledgekrealizethat thetraditionalknowledgeofsomefnmembersisequivalenttomodern academicdegrees FNFCtocollaboratewithFN stobridgeworldviewsonfutureforestry practices LearnandunderstandFNhistoricalknowledgeonEarthcycles 3.%% How%can%we%collaborate%with%FN s%on%climate%change% initiatives%and%planning?% & WorkonforeststewardshipplanningwithFN sincludingtrainingprogramsfor monitoring UnifyFirstNationsonClimateActionPlans ShareinformationwithFN sonclimatechangeandlistenmoretofn sviews andknowledgeofclimatechange WorkwithFN sonmanagingdroughtconditionsandforestfires WorkwithFN stocreatefnemergencyservicesforbc CreateaFNTrainingProgramtoteachaboutopportunitiestomanageClimate Change;ensureFN sareinvolvedwithemployment,planningandcontracting opportunities EnsurelongKterminvestmentinFirstNationstocoKmanageaClimateChange ActionPlan & 14

16 % Recommendations% 1.% Information%Sharing% In order for First Nations to be able to meaningfully engage with Government for participationintheplanning,managementandeconomicgainsoftheforestryindustry, FN srequirefulldisclosureofallpertinentresearchandotherdataascollectedbyboth GovernmentandIndustry.Withoutthisinformation,FirstNationsandGovernmentwill not be able to properly address the gaps preventing First Nations full partnership and participation. ThefollowinginformationhighlightsthegapsFN shaveincollectingadequatedatafor business planning, land use planning, feasibility studies and economic development plans. A. Current and historical imaging data in order to assess quantity, quality and location of high to low value timber for future forestry management. The ProvinceisabletoaccessthistechnologythroughLiDar.FN sshouldhaveaccess tothesameinformationastheprovinceandindustry. B. Technology such as GIS mapping in order to collate all pertinent information related to forestry, including but not limited to private lands within tenures, ACC s, riparian areas, species at risk and associated nonkdisturbance zones, invasive species, other industrial footprints and right of ways. This information willassisttominimizeterritorialinfringementandallowforneighbouringfn sto collaborateonsharedterritoryplanning. C. Clarification of each type of tenure, woodlot, timber sales licences, fibre harvesting licence, carbon crediting, stumpage fee schedule and any other information that would be required in business or economic development planning. 15

17 D. Timely information regarding the softwood lumber dispute/ negotiations betweencanadaandtheunitedstates.fn slackofinformationresultsindelays in relaying information regarding resolution, which in turn causes uncertainty amongst FN s in the area of business and economic development planning. InadequateparticipationfromFN snegatesthepossibilityforfngovernmentsto tableapossiblesolutiontotheissue. E. Ongoing Communication of pertinent Information: Information included in studies, testing and industrial innovation acquired by entities such as FP Innovations or various Universities and labs contracted by the BC Government shouldbemadeavailabletoeveryfn.accesstothisdatawouldallowforfirst Nations best management practices and climate change initiatives to be formulated and implemented on a territorial, regional and province wide scale byfirstnationsandtheirforestryindustrypartners. F. AmapofGovernment,publicandprivateorganizationsinvolvedintheresearch, development,planning,regulatingandmonitoringoftheforestryindustryneeds tobemadeavailabletoallfirstnations.thismapshouldcontainformalpoints ofcontactforfirstnationssoastoaccesstheappropriatepersonnelforrelease ofinformationanddecisionmakingapprovals. Recommended%Actions:% I. First Nations Forestry Council should be funded to create a communications and critical information sharing strategy to ensure all FN s in BC have access to the information required to fully engage as partnersintheforestrysector. II. FirstNationsForestryCouncilshouldconsiderpartnershipswithkeynonK governmentresearchcompaniessuchasfpinnovationsanduniversities to access pertinent information required for planning and managing ForestryResourcesonTraditionalTerritories. 16

18 2.% Planning%Support% For decades, First Nations have been forced into reactionary tactics to gain any economicreturnsfromresourcesonuncededterritories.untilfirstnationscancreate their own plans and policies, proper consultation and accommodation is not possible. There is a chasm between First Nations worldview and that of the current Neoliberal system. Until we can see how First Nations worldview translates into economic development and resource management plans, the opportunity for reconciliation will continuetoeludeboththegovernmentandfirstnations. SupportforPlanningintheFollowingAreasisCrucial: A. LandUsePlanning B. ForestManagementPlanning C. CorporateDevelopmentPlanning D. BusinessPartnershipPlanning E. EmploymentandTrainingStrategies F. FNClimateActionPlanning G. TenureViabilityAssessments H. TraditionalUseStudies Recommended%Actions:% I. Cross Governmental funding should be aligned to ensure FN s have adequate access to funding to perform the above types of planning. There are numerous highklevel committees with government, industry and university representation that would serve as a good platform for aligningspendingtosupportfirstnationsplanningefforts. II. Government should mandate organizations that receive significant researchanddevelopmentfundstosupportfn splanningefforts.these organizationsshouldnotperformtheplanningthemselvesbutcontribute funding,researchandresourcestosupportfn splanningefforts. 17

19 3.% Employment%and%Training% Withadequateinformationandplanning,FN swillbebetterabletodeterminethelong termnatureoftraining&developmentprogramsrequiredforcommunitymembersto becomegainfullyemployedinforestryindustryrelatedcareers. Recommended%Actions:% I. In the short and midkterm, employment and training plans should be made with consideration for First Nations members to access career positions.careerpathsrelatedtothefullscopeoftheforestryindustry needtobedesigned.todothis,firstnationsandgovernmentwillneed toperformalabourmarketanalysisrelatedtotheforestryindustryand itssupplychain.(seerecommendation6) II. A framework needs to be created for First Nations members to access training opportunities based on both their experience and traditional knowledge. Current training programs require candidates to have other education and certifications before access is granted. This framework would widen the scope for candidates with significant experience allowingfirstnationsmemberstoaccesscareerpathsbasedonmerit. 18

20 4.% Tenure%and%Policy%Reform% There have been numerous changes to tenure licences and many restrictions within these tenures coupled with perceived stipulations from First Nations to receive direct awards First Nations must signkoff that they have been partially or properly accommodated. Tenure planning and other policies cannot be adequately addressed untilfirstnationshaveaclearvisionforforestmanagementandlanduse. Recommended%Actions:% I. TheFNFCpublishedapositionpaperentitledTenureViabilityin2007.Thispaper thoroughlyaddressesthenatureofcurrentavailabletenureopportunitiesalong withtheviabilityofpurchasingoraccessingthesetenures.thefnfcshouldbe supported to create a workshop based on the Tenure Viability paper for First Nations.Thisworkshopcouldcoversuchtopicsas: TenureViability FeedbackfromFirstNationsastowhattypesofTenureswouldbemost useableforfirstnations. Formulaeremodellingtoreflectactualvolumerequiredtorealize economicreturnforfntenureholders HowtoworkwithneighbouringcommunitiesasFNTenurelicensees II. TheGovernmentneedsclarifywithFirstNationstheydonotneedtosign agreementsoraccordsthattheyhavebeenappropriatelyaccommodatedto accessdirectawardtenures.feedbacksuggestedthatfn sbelievetheyare requiredtosignkoffonaccommodationstogaintenures.thisbeliefhasputthem atagreatdisadvantageinregardstoplanningforlongktermeconomicgrowth. **FN sreportedtheyweresigninggovernmentagreementsunderduresswhich alsocontributedtofn ssigningpartnershipagreementswithtimbercompanies underduress.oftenfn sdonothavethecapacitytoactualizetheaacand thereforesignwithforestrypartnerssoasnottolosealleconomicor employmentopportunities. 19

21 5.% Business%to%Business%Relationships% BusinessandIndustryPartnershipsbringsignificantcapacityforFirstNationsinallareas suchascontractmanagement,supplychainplanning,economicforecasting, employmentandtrainingplanningandopportunities.currently,businessesoperating onfnterritoriesarenotrequiredtoreachouttofirstnationstoincludethemin realizingopportunities.fn srequiresupportfromgovernmenttofosterproductive relationshipswithbusinessesprovidingservicestotheforestryindustryandwith businessesholdingtenures. Recommended%Actions:% I. TheGovernmentandFNFCshouldestablishacollaborativemodeltoensurethat businessktokbusinessrelationshipsareeffectivelyestablished.thesebusinessktok business relationships will range from business acquisition to employment and training to new forest product development to environmental management on Traditional Territories. With support to develop businessktokbusiness relationships, First Nations will be able to grow their own economic returns thereby reducing dependence on Government to develop capacitykbuilding programsfortheircommunities. 20

22 6.%%%Industry%Supply%Chain%Analysis%and%FN%Gaps%% FirstNationshavetremendouscapacitygapspreventingthemfromparticipation intheforestryindustry.someofthesecapacitygapshavesolutionsavailableif FirstNationshadaccesstothesameresearch,technologyanddatasystemsas FLNRO.FirstNationsrequirethesameconsiderationforfundingallocationstobe appropriatelyincludedinallaspectsofresearch,planninganddevelopmentof ForestryRelatedprograms. **"Example"of"Areas/Mechanisms"Lacking"FN"Participation"" ResearchandPlanningCommittees:Thereareseveralfundingand administrationmechanismsassociatedwithmultipleprivateandpublicentities thatareresponsiblefortheresearchanddevelopmentoftheforestry Industries65yearoutlook.Forexample,theForestGeneticsCouncilofBritish Columbia(FGC)isamultiKstakeholderadvisorybodycomprisedof representativesfromtheprovincialandfederalgovernments,forestsector companiesanduniversities. Industryprovideslogisticalsupportforfieldtrialsandinputforthe developmentofpriorities.policydevelopmentforcrownlandsisthe responsibilityofthemflnrowithadviseprovidedtotheprovincialchief ForesteroftheForestGeneticsCouncil(FGC) ForestGeneticsCouncilofBC BusinessPlan,2016K2017,P.2 TheFGCreceivescontributionsinexcessof$13millionperannumtosupport theresourcesrequiredtoimplementtheir StrategicPlan.(p.2,&FGC& Strategic&Plan&2015& &2020)Aprimeexampleisofamechanismof implementationforthefgc StrategicPlanistheLandBased InvestmentStrategyTreeImprovement(LBIS).TheLBIShas7subKprograms withnofirstnationrepresentation. TheMFLNROTreeImprovementBranchmanagesFinancialAdministrationfor approvedprojectsthrougheitherdirectspendingwithinthebrandorthrough contractswithsuccessfulprojectproponents. ForestGeneticsCouncilofBC BusinessPlan,2016/17,P.13 % % % 21

23 % Recommended%Actions:% 1. AForestryIndustrySupplyChainAnalysiswithFNGapsAnalysiswould clarifyhowtomaximizefirstnationsappropriateparticipationinthe ForestrySector.Aspartoftheaboveanalysisablueprintstrategyshould becreatedforfirstnationsparticipationintheforestryindustry. 2. FirstNationsForestryCouncilwouldrequiremultiKyearfundingto implementtheblueprintstrategyandyearlybusinessplans. Conclusion% ConcernsthathavebeenraisedbyFirstNationsattendeeshighlightaneedforfunding inordertoaddressthelackofcapacitytoappropriatelyparticipateinforestrykrelated research, planning and longkterm implementation of plans. Participation, transparency and full disclosure of vital information is essential to allow alignment of First Nations strategicplanningwithindustryandgovernment. Thesixrecommendationsaboveofferasolutionforbuildingafoundationuponwhicha new relationship between Government(s), Industry and First Nations can be built. The foundationthatfn swouldhaveasaresultoffulfillingtheaboverecommendationsis neededtostabilizetheforestryindustryandensurethisindustryremainsastapleinthe overallbritishcolumbiaeconomy. List%of%Appendices% Appendix 1, Agenda Appendix 2, All Responses Questionnaire Appendix 3, Summary Responses Questionnaire Appendix 4, Open Forum Comments Appendix 5, Break-out Sessions 22

24 Document%Review% The following reports were reviewed by Mahigan Research and Development to better understand the dynamics between: a) The Forestry Industry and First Nations; and b) The feedback from regional sessions and Forestry Industry administration, mechanisms and stakeholders Reports such as those referenced below require further analysis and consideration. Such work would be done as per fulfillment of recommendation six. Forest Genetics Council of BC (FGC) Business Plan 2016/17 FGC Strategic Plan First Nations Forestry Council (FNFC) Report on Regional Forums FGC Strategic Plan Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO). Strong Past, Bright Future: A Competitiveness Agenda for British Columbia s Forest Sector FNFC Recent Policy Changes in BC and Implications to First Nations Clogg, Jessica West Coast Environmental Law. Provincial Forestry Revitalization Plan Forest Act Amendments: Impacts and Implications for BC First Nations. Discussion Paper. Occasional Paper Series. SR Management Services Ltd First Nations Forest Tenure Benchmarking. FNFC. National Aboriginal Forestry Association (NAFA). Aboriginal-Forest Sector Partnerships: Lessons for Future Collaboration FNFC. Vancouver Island University, Center for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation Statement of Law Regarding First Nations and Forestry. A Public Summary. 23

25 MARR First Nations Opportunities in the Forest Sector. Public Presentation. MNP LLP BC Forest Industry Economic Impact Study. BC Lumber Trade Council. Council of Fest Industries. Coast Forest Products Association. Interior Lumber Manufacturing Association. FLNRO Forest Carbon Strategy FLNRO Climate Change Strategy, Setting the Stage Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium. Climate Summary or Omineca Region, Part of a Series on the Resource Regions of BC. UVIC. 24