First Nations forestry program supported

Press release

Innovative forestry initiatives in First Nations communities will continue to receive support from the Government of Canada.
Robert D. Nault, minister of In-dian and Northern Affairs Cana-da (INAC), and Herb Dhaliwal, minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), on Friday an-nounced the federal government will renew the First Nations Forestry Program (FNFP) until March 31, 2008.
“The FNFP has played a major role in creating economic development opportunities and encouraging First Nations to participate in the forest sector,” said Nault.
“This program has attained its objectives beyond all expectations, I am very pleased to announce its renewal, and it is our hopes that this will provide long-term stability to the program,” he added.
“During the past seven years, the FNFP has been a very successful government--First Nations partnership,” said Dhaliwal.
“With the renewal of this program, the Government of Canada can continue to help First Nations communities and workers gain valuable experience in managing our forests.”
The Government of Canada will contribute $6.5 million per year--$3.25 million from INAC and $3.25 million from NRCan--for the next five years to support the FNFP.
This is an increase of $2 million per year from previous years.
Open to all First Nations communities in Canada, the FNFP aims to improve access to economic development in these communities by providing the opportunity to enhance their capacity to manage forests; and operate and participate in forest-based businesses; and increase co-operation and partnerships among First Nations.
This program enables First Nations to increase their forestry-related knowledge, capabilities, and business skills, which is essential to increasing their participation in Canada’s forest sector.
Since it was established in 1996, the FNFP has supported more than 1,300 projects with $34 million in federal contribution funding and $63 million in partnered funding, creating more than 74,000 weeks of work and helping 5,600 First Nations workers gain valuable job experience.
As well, some 375 communities, or roughly 61 percent, of the 612 First Nations in Canada participate in the program; the majority of these communities are located in rural and remote areas.
As the non-aboriginal workforce ages and as First Nations communities gain more access to forest resources through treaties, land entitlements, and other agreements, the FNFP continues to provide opportunities to First Nations.
The FNFP is known for its excellence and achievements.
The Treasury Board Secretari-at recognized it in its February, 2001 Report to Parliament as one of the 12 outstanding programs within the Government of Canada.