INDIGENOUS RELATIONS
SFI is committed to building and promoting forest-focused collaborations rooted in recognition and respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and traditional knowledge. We firmly believe that inclusive, collaborative approaches to policy, program and relationship development lead to real progress on the ground and a positive difference in people’s lives.
At SFI we respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and believe our shared quality of life improves when forests are sustainably managed for current and future generations. These shared values allow for a strong and multi-faceted link between SFI and Indigenous communities across Canada and the U.S.
Every day, we strive to co-create meaningful change alongside the dozens of Indigenous communities and businesses that have certified their forestlands to the SFI Small-Scale Forest Management Module for Indigenous Peoples and Families, and more than one hundred that we partner with and invest in through programs and initiatives reaching across all four pillars of SFI’s work.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
SFI is proud to be the first National Partner of the Outland Youth Employment Program. We are committed to enhancing the number, relevancy and accessibility of education, training and job opportunities for Indigenous youth within the forest sector.
SFI also recognizes the need for ongoing education and training on Indigenous Peoples’ rights and respectful relationship building within the corporate sector. Working with leading partners, we are committed to promoting understanding, recognition and respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights, traditional knowledge, representative institutions and distinctive relationships with the forest throughout the forest sector.
GUIDANCE FOR SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SFI STANDARD
RESOURCES
Paul Robitaille
Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations
613-288-5856
Nadine Block
Senior VP, Community and Government Relations
202-596-3456
Gordy Mouw
Director, Network Relations
715-220-4132
FEATURED ARTICLE
FORGING A CAREER PATH IN THE FOREST SECTOR
For someone who practically grew up in the forest, I realized I held an old fashioned, plaid-wearing, axe-swinging picture of forestry in Canada. Who knew it was still an option?