First Annual

INDIGENOUS FORESTRY CONFERENCE (IFC)

Optimizing Our Participation in the Forest Economy

Tuesday, September 10 & Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel, 4277 Stamp Avenue, Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 7X8

Host & Partners

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Marking a pivotal moment for sustainable forestry practices and Indigenous stewardship of the land.

We aim to unite Indigenous leaders, forestry professionals, environmentalists, and policymakers to explore the integration of traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern forestry management practices.

We underscore the crucial role of collaboration and respect for Indigenous rights and territories in achieving ecological sustainability and unlocking economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.

A significant focus will be on closing the economic gap, emphasizing the need for First Nations’ access to capital to participate meaningfully in the forest sector and creating opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Why Attend:

  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with key Indigenous leaders, industry experts, and policymakers.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Gain insights into traditional Indigenous knowledge and modern forestry practices.

  • Economic Development: Learn about opportunities for economic growth and sustainability within Indigenous communities.

  • Business Matchmaking: Allow us to facilitate individual, private, and pre-scheduled meetings to connect you with decision-makers who can fast-track your business progress.

Agenda

A significant highlight will be the discussion on Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, which have demonstrated success in balancing ecological preservation with community development needs.

IFC will serve as a vital forum for sharing both successes and challenges encountered by Indigenous communities in managing their ancestral lands, alongside strategies to enhance their economic engagement and leverage entrepreneurial opportunities within the forestry sector.

Speakers include Robert Dennis, Chief Ken Watts, Dallas Smith and more.

We seek a strong commitment towards fostering equitable partnerships between Indigenous communities and the forestry sector.

We recognize the importance of ongoing dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaborative efforts to tackle the challenges of sustainable forestry management.

The foundations laid by this conference will pave the way for future collaborations, highlighting the necessity for policies that empower Indigenous leadership in forestry practices and ensure equitable access to resources and capital for Indigenous peoples.

Ultimately, this event is poised to not only emphasize the critical role of Indigenous peoples in environmental stewardship but also chart a course towards more inclusive and sustainable forestry management practices in Canada, where economic prosperity is accessible to all, fostering a resilient and thriving forest sector driven by Indigenous innovation and stewardship.