About the First Nations Forestry Program

The forest plays an integral role in the social, spiritual and cultural lives of First Nations across Canada. It also offers a foundation upon which First Nations peoples and communities can develop an economic base, while maintaining their traditional connection with the land.

Since 1996, the First Nations Forestry Program (FNFP) has funded some 1,326 projects. These partnerships among First Nations, the Government of Canada and industry have created opportunities for over 5,644 First Nations people to improve their skills and apply sustainable forest management practices. This program builds upon the Government of Canada's commitments to ensuring a clean, healthy environment and to creating and sharing opportunity with First Nations to build a better future and stronger communities.

The Program's Goals and Objectives

The purpose of the First Nations Forestry Program is to improve the economic conditions in status First Nation communities with full consideration of the principles of sustainable forest management.

1. to enhance the capacity of First Nations to sustainably manage their forest lands;
2. to enhance the capacity of First Nations to operate and participate in forest-based development opportunities and their benefits;
3. to advance the knowledge of First Nations in sustainable forest management and forest-based development; and,
4. to enhance the institutional capacity of First Nations at the provincial and territorial level to support their participation in the forest-based economy.