Ontario's Boreal Forest

First Nations

Ontario’s boreal forest is home to 28 First Nations communities, most of which are accessible only by air. Ties to the land still run deep in these communities, but they are also struggling with social and economic challenges that are linked directly and indirectly to both cultural changes and isolation.

In many communities, there is a growing interest in some resource development. There is the hope that such development will help communities address issues such as high levels of unemployment, access to medical care and education, and help closing the economic gap between native and non-native communities.

Aboriginal people in Canada, and specifically the communities of Ontario’s northern boreal forest, are demanding an equal voice in resource development decisions affecting their traditional lands and waters.

One of our strongest points of agreement with First Nations is the need for meaningful community involvement in all aspects of land use planning before any development decisions are made. First Nations can bring thousands of years of accumulated knowledge and experience to the planning table.