Cet article explore les liens contemporains que les Nehirowisiwok entretiennent avec le Nitaskina... more Cet article explore les liens contemporains que les Nehirowisiwok entretiennent avec le Nitaskinan, leur territoire ancestral. Des entrevues avec une trentaine de membres de la communauté de Wemotaci ont révélé comment ils s’occupent du territoire en y pratiquant une grande diversité d’activités. Ces activités peuvent être regroupées selon trois thèmes principaux : kapeciwin, la vie au camp et sur le territoire, tipahiskan, les activités de gestion du territoire, et atoskewin, les prélèvements fauniques et végétatifs. Ensemble, ces activités permettent le maintien de la langue et des connaissances, ainsi que la continuation de nehirowisi pimatisiwin, la mode de vie nehirowisiw. Cette étude démontre que l’occupation du Nitaskinan n’est pas simplement un fait historique, mais qu’elle est une pratique courante qui reste au coeur de la vie et de l’identité des Nehirowisiwok. En dépit des changements qui les entourent et d’une présence eurocanadienne toujours grandissante, les Nehirowisi...
This article considers how competing interpretations of rights upon forestland affect indigenous ... more This article considers how competing interpretations of rights upon forestland affect indigenous peoples' ability to derive benefits from forests, using interviews and an evaluation exercise in 13 First Nations communities in New Brunswick, Canada. We asked first what First Nations expect from provincial forest governance arrangements, and second, what is preventing them from attaining their expectations? Informants attached greatest importance to rights and environmental protection, but tangible outcomes fall far short of expectations. Economic benefits are promoted by the government, but are least important for informants and results are mediocre. Undertaking an access analysis, we observe that governance arrangements do not deliver the benefits sought by First Nations, that control mechanisms provide limited participation in governance, and that power remains firmly with government and private industry. We conclude that rights alone do not enable First Nations to access benefits and that governance arrangements do not provide certainty for sustainable management.
The patterns of management of forest ecosystems in Vanuatu have been important for the lives and ... more The patterns of management of forest ecosystems in Vanuatu have been important for the lives and livelihood of local people from prehistoric times to the present. Through their regulation of the local climate, includ- ing water runoff and soil erosion, the forests make viable the local ecosys- tems that have sustained and shaped the human societies in these islands up
Certification is increasingly important in Canada as a tool for promoting, monitoring, and reward... more Certification is increasingly important in Canada as a tool for promoting, monitoring, and rewarding sustainable forest management. However, success in certifying large public or industry-owned forests has not been matched by small-scale private forests, which nevertheless provide an important range of social, economic, and environmental benefits. In this exploratory research, we examine the presence and absence of certification systems in three adjoining regions of New Brunswick and Quebec, Canada, reviewing documents and interviewing woodlot owners and representatives of their organizations and the timber industry to identify factors contributing to the success or absence of certification. Industry demand, the role of organizations, and owner interest were highlighted as key factors in certification. However, there is also uncertainty around both the effectiveness of certification in achieving its goals and instability in the woodlot sector. We conclude with a series of questions to guide further research in this field.
The term ''aboriginal forestry&... more The term ''aboriginal forestry'' is used increasingly to describe the evolving role of First Nations peoples in Canadian forestry over the last 30 years. This paper reviews a diversity of experiences and identifies issues that have im- portant implications for governments, forest planners, and First Nations: a forestry regime that reflects the interests of gov- ernments and industry rather than
ABSTRACT Aboriginal peoples are increasingly being invited to participate in sustainable forest m... more ABSTRACT Aboriginal peoples are increasingly being invited to participate in sustainable forest management processes as a means of including their knowledge, values, and concerns. However, it is justifiable to ask if this participation does lead to changes in forest management plans and to outcomes in management activities. We review four forest management plans over 10 years (1999–2009) in Labrador, Canada, to determine if increasing involvement by the Aboriginal Innu Nation has led to changes in plan content. We also compare these plans with three plans from another forest management district where there is no Innu presence and with two provincial forest strategies . Analysis shows that Labrador plans prepared since 2000, when the Innu and the provincial government established a collaborative process, are different from all other plans reviewed. Four principal characteristics distinguish these plans: a structure based around ecological, cultural, and economic landscapes, a network of cultural and ecological protected areas, increased attention to social and cultural values, and greater emphasis on research and monitoring. This suggests that Innu involvement has in fact influenced the contents of these plans, developing an innovative approach to implementing ecosystem management and demonstrating the utility of involving Aboriginal peoples in forest management planning processes.
ABSTRACT The colonial history of North America presents a contrast between Mexico and the two pre... more ABSTRACT The colonial history of North America presents a contrast between Mexico and the two predominantly English-speaking countries, the United States and Canada. In Mexico, indigenous and other local communities own considerable forested lands, a consequence of the Mexican Revolution of the early twentieth century. In the United States, forest land is now primarily in private or federal hands, while in Canada forest land is primarily managed by the provinces. In all three countries, traditional knowledge had little effect upon forestry until the end of the twentieth century. In Mexico and the United States, the central government retained control over forested lands ostensibly held by communities. Policy changes in those two countries have decentralized control to indigenous peoples, and their ideas have started to affect forestry. In Canada, although traditional management of lands in remote regions persisted until the middle of the twentieth century, provincial policies have generally been displacing indigenous control; First Nations knowledge, which has survived well in some areas, is only recently being applied to forest management, and in only a few examples.
We often hear about the resistance of First Nation (FN) communities against the industrial model ... more We often hear about the resistance of First Nation (FN) communities against the industrial model of forestry, but we hear less about what they wish to achieve. Translating FN perspectives into concepts that are understood by the mainstream society can help inform current and future forest policies. Such translation can support initiatives that seek ways to increase FN participation in the forest sector. This paper documents one process of translation. It identifies the principles and objectives for forest-based development of the Essipit Innu First Nation in Quebec, Canada, reflective of the deep roots that anchor the Essipit to their territory. Based on participatory research carried out between January and July 2013, we identify 34 objectives folded into three core FN principles: Nutshimiu-Aitun (identity-territoriality), Mishkutunam (sharing-exchange), and Pakassitishun (responsibility-autonomy). Our analysis shows that the economic aims of the dominant forestry model are too narrow for FN communities. This paper contributes to expanding FN engagement in forestry through management and economic approaches that are better adapted to their culture and values.
Cet article explore les liens contemporains que les Nehirowisiwok entretiennent avec le Nitaskina... more Cet article explore les liens contemporains que les Nehirowisiwok entretiennent avec le Nitaskinan, leur territoire ancestral. Des entrevues avec une trentaine de membres de la communauté de Wemotaci ont révélé comment ils s’occupent du territoire en y pratiquant une grande diversité d’activités. Ces activités peuvent être regroupées selon trois thèmes principaux : kapeciwin, la vie au camp et sur le territoire, tipahiskan, les activités de gestion du territoire, et atoskewin, les prélèvements fauniques et végétatifs. Ensemble, ces activités permettent le maintien de la langue et des connaissances, ainsi que la continuation de nehirowisi pimatisiwin, la mode de vie nehirowisiw. Cette étude démontre que l’occupation du Nitaskinan n’est pas simplement un fait historique, mais qu’elle est une pratique courante qui reste au coeur de la vie et de l’identité des Nehirowisiwok. En dépit des changements qui les entourent et d’une présence eurocanadienne toujours grandissante, les Nehirowisi...
This article considers how competing interpretations of rights upon forestland affect indigenous ... more This article considers how competing interpretations of rights upon forestland affect indigenous peoples' ability to derive benefits from forests, using interviews and an evaluation exercise in 13 First Nations communities in New Brunswick, Canada. We asked first what First Nations expect from provincial forest governance arrangements, and second, what is preventing them from attaining their expectations? Informants attached greatest importance to rights and environmental protection, but tangible outcomes fall far short of expectations. Economic benefits are promoted by the government, but are least important for informants and results are mediocre. Undertaking an access analysis, we observe that governance arrangements do not deliver the benefits sought by First Nations, that control mechanisms provide limited participation in governance, and that power remains firmly with government and private industry. We conclude that rights alone do not enable First Nations to access benefits and that governance arrangements do not provide certainty for sustainable management.
The patterns of management of forest ecosystems in Vanuatu have been important for the lives and ... more The patterns of management of forest ecosystems in Vanuatu have been important for the lives and livelihood of local people from prehistoric times to the present. Through their regulation of the local climate, includ- ing water runoff and soil erosion, the forests make viable the local ecosys- tems that have sustained and shaped the human societies in these islands up
Certification is increasingly important in Canada as a tool for promoting, monitoring, and reward... more Certification is increasingly important in Canada as a tool for promoting, monitoring, and rewarding sustainable forest management. However, success in certifying large public or industry-owned forests has not been matched by small-scale private forests, which nevertheless provide an important range of social, economic, and environmental benefits. In this exploratory research, we examine the presence and absence of certification systems in three adjoining regions of New Brunswick and Quebec, Canada, reviewing documents and interviewing woodlot owners and representatives of their organizations and the timber industry to identify factors contributing to the success or absence of certification. Industry demand, the role of organizations, and owner interest were highlighted as key factors in certification. However, there is also uncertainty around both the effectiveness of certification in achieving its goals and instability in the woodlot sector. We conclude with a series of questions to guide further research in this field.
The term ''aboriginal forestry&... more The term ''aboriginal forestry'' is used increasingly to describe the evolving role of First Nations peoples in Canadian forestry over the last 30 years. This paper reviews a diversity of experiences and identifies issues that have im- portant implications for governments, forest planners, and First Nations: a forestry regime that reflects the interests of gov- ernments and industry rather than
ABSTRACT Aboriginal peoples are increasingly being invited to participate in sustainable forest m... more ABSTRACT Aboriginal peoples are increasingly being invited to participate in sustainable forest management processes as a means of including their knowledge, values, and concerns. However, it is justifiable to ask if this participation does lead to changes in forest management plans and to outcomes in management activities. We review four forest management plans over 10 years (1999–2009) in Labrador, Canada, to determine if increasing involvement by the Aboriginal Innu Nation has led to changes in plan content. We also compare these plans with three plans from another forest management district where there is no Innu presence and with two provincial forest strategies . Analysis shows that Labrador plans prepared since 2000, when the Innu and the provincial government established a collaborative process, are different from all other plans reviewed. Four principal characteristics distinguish these plans: a structure based around ecological, cultural, and economic landscapes, a network of cultural and ecological protected areas, increased attention to social and cultural values, and greater emphasis on research and monitoring. This suggests that Innu involvement has in fact influenced the contents of these plans, developing an innovative approach to implementing ecosystem management and demonstrating the utility of involving Aboriginal peoples in forest management planning processes.
ABSTRACT The colonial history of North America presents a contrast between Mexico and the two pre... more ABSTRACT The colonial history of North America presents a contrast between Mexico and the two predominantly English-speaking countries, the United States and Canada. In Mexico, indigenous and other local communities own considerable forested lands, a consequence of the Mexican Revolution of the early twentieth century. In the United States, forest land is now primarily in private or federal hands, while in Canada forest land is primarily managed by the provinces. In all three countries, traditional knowledge had little effect upon forestry until the end of the twentieth century. In Mexico and the United States, the central government retained control over forested lands ostensibly held by communities. Policy changes in those two countries have decentralized control to indigenous peoples, and their ideas have started to affect forestry. In Canada, although traditional management of lands in remote regions persisted until the middle of the twentieth century, provincial policies have generally been displacing indigenous control; First Nations knowledge, which has survived well in some areas, is only recently being applied to forest management, and in only a few examples.
We often hear about the resistance of First Nation (FN) communities against the industrial model ... more We often hear about the resistance of First Nation (FN) communities against the industrial model of forestry, but we hear less about what they wish to achieve. Translating FN perspectives into concepts that are understood by the mainstream society can help inform current and future forest policies. Such translation can support initiatives that seek ways to increase FN participation in the forest sector. This paper documents one process of translation. It identifies the principles and objectives for forest-based development of the Essipit Innu First Nation in Quebec, Canada, reflective of the deep roots that anchor the Essipit to their territory. Based on participatory research carried out between January and July 2013, we identify 34 objectives folded into three core FN principles: Nutshimiu-Aitun (identity-territoriality), Mishkutunam (sharing-exchange), and Pakassitishun (responsibility-autonomy). Our analysis shows that the economic aims of the dominant forestry model are too narrow for FN communities. This paper contributes to expanding FN engagement in forestry through management and economic approaches that are better adapted to their culture and values.
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Papers by Stephen Wyatt