Aboriginal Peoples Assert Rights at National Forest Strategy Forum |
January 2003 |
 At the January 2003 national forest forum, held in Winnipeg, people representing Aboriginal communities from across Canada joined forces to demand that their rights to forest lands and resources be recognized through the development and implementation of Canada’s new five-year national forest strategy. Unsatisfied with the process as it stood, the many Aboriginal people and representatives in attendance (an estimated 1/3 of participants) formed a separate caucus to discuss common concerns and interests during the two-day forum. Following these meetings, a two-page submission (download) was presented. It included a stronger recognition of Aboriginal and treaty rights in the form of a distinct keystone objective for inclusion within the strategy, as well as 13 separate action items. The national forest forum was held in Winnipeg, January 20-21, 2003. The forum responded to results from six regional workshops held in October 2002. Both the workshops and forum are part of the process to develop a new Canadian National Forest Strategy (2003-2008). The Canada Forest Accord, together with the companion National Forest Strategy (1998-2003) expires on May 1, 2003. The National Forest Strategy Coalition is expected to have a first draft of the strategy ready in February 2003 with a second draft completed by March 2003. A final strategy is to be completed for the National Forest Congress (May 1-2, 2003) in Ottawa where it will be signed by members of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM). Canada’s new National Forest Strategy and Accord will be presented at the World Forestry Congress (September 21-28,2003) in Quebec City. Visit the National Forest Congress site Visit the World Forestry Congress site |
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