June marks National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. It’s a time to celebrate First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, and SFI is proud to highlight some amazing Indigenous certified organizations within our network.
SFI recognizes the enduring leadership of Indigenous Peoples with respect to sustainable forest management. We deeply respect the unique place-based Traditional Knowledge that Indigenous Peoples have come to possess through countless generations of relationships with their territories. At SFI, we deeply respect Indigenous Peoples’ rights and will adopt the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for policy, program and relationship development. We specifically acknowledge Indigenous Peoples’ rights to self-determination, to develop strategies for the use of their territories, and to uphold their responsibilities to future generations.
Indigenous Peoples are essential leaders and partners in any forest-focused collaboration and their full participation will better enable us to collectively advance forest sustainability. SFI believes that communities themselves are best positioned to create the innovative forest-focused solutions that address the needs of today while also building the lasting capacity to achieve their many aspirations long into the future. Certification can be tool to advance First Nations’ self-determined priorities and create economic opportunities. The SFI Forest Management Standard supports the implementation of many First Nations priorities and values and includes measures to protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, threatened and endangered species, cultural values, and forests with exceptional conservation value. Additionally, certification can help First Nations gain market access, as many retailers and brands only sell certified products.
SFI draws its energy and inspiration from our many partners, including over 60 Indigenous communities and businesses who have certified their forestlands to SFI Standards and more communities that we have partnered with and invested in through programs and initiatives reaching across all four pillars of our work. Together, we can create a world that values and benefits from sustainably managed forests.
Learn more about some innovative partnerships and Indigenous-led organizations that are making their mark in sustainable land management:
MIITIGOOG LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Miitigoog Limited Partnership is a partnership between First Nations and industry that has been certified to the SFI Forest Management Standard since 2011.
Miitigoog contracts Miisun Integrated Forest Management, a 100% First Nations owned natural resource company, to manage the Kenora and Whiskey Jack Forests in Northwestern Ontario. Miisun utilizes an integrated resource management approach that respectfully incorporates First Nations Traditional Ecological Knowledge and values, and promotes public involvement to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and resilient working forest.
Watch a short 5-minute video to learn more about Miitigoog Limited Partnership and how SFI certification supports their sustainability goals.
STUWIX RESOURCES JOINT VENTURE
Stuwix Resources Joint Venture is the innovative leader in First Nations forest resources management. Stuwix is a First Nations owned and operated forestry company and has been certified to the SFI Forest Management Standard since 2010.
Their vision is to promote healthy ecosystems and healthy independent communities, while integrating First Nations’ traditional use and practices into forest management.
Watch the full 18-minute video to learn more about Stuwix and their land management practices that are informed by their communities.
The next spotlight is in production! Stay tuned for its release, and message Mira.Williamson@forests.org if you’re interested in collaborating on a video.
