Reconciliation With Indigenous Peoples

The practice of professional forestry often requires forest professionals to work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.

As the professional regulator of forest professionals, Forest Professionals BC (FPBC) is committed to building respect between Indigenous Peoples and the forestry profession.

This commitment is enshrined as a guiding principle in FPBC’s 2020-2024 strategic plan, which states that FPBC supports reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through education, awareness, and inclusion.

The FPBC’s efforts to support reconciliation can be seen in the following initiatives:

  • FPBC publication, Introduction to FPBC, was mailed to First Nations communities across the province in 2021. The brochure explains the different types of forest professionals, their commitment to forest stewardship and reconciliation, and the role of FPBC plays as a regulator in registering forest professionals, ensuring their competence, and holding forest professionals accountable for their practice and conduct;

  • As part of their annual registration renewal, all forest professionals must indicate whether they have adequate knowledge about Indigenous Peoples, culture, Aboriginal rights and title interests, and concerns with forest land and resource use, in order to carry out their professional job responsibilities;

  • All new registrant trainees are required to complete a learning module on working effectively with Indigenous Communities;

  • The FPBC provides registrants with professional development opportunities (some of which are available free of charge) to support their knowledge and awareness of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and title, history, and culture;

  • FPBC Council includes Indigenous representation and/or council members with in-depth Indigenous-related knowledge and experience;

  • Articles in BC Forest Professional magazine encourage continuous learning and understanding about Indigenous Peoples and culture in relation to forestry;

  • The annual FPBC forestry conference incorporates Indigenous speakers, content, and recognition;

  • The traditional territories of Indigenous Nations are acknowledged at the physical office of FPBC; during the annual conference and professional development workshops; and within the FPBC’s e-newsletter, The Increment, and BC Forest Professional magazine;

  • Specialized communication products highlighting the work and success of Indigenous forest professionals who are part of FPBC are widely available;

  • Indigenous learning is incorporated into FPBC practice guidance, bulletins, reports, and reminders provided to registrants when possible and where appropriate;
  • The FPBC participates in Indigenous-led or oriented external events (such as conferences or other large events) to engage with Indigenous groups and partners to communicate about the role and work of forest professionals and the regulated forestry profession;
  • The FPBC participates in student career and education fairs that are oriented towards Indigenous students.

Some resources to assist in listening, learning, and supporting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples:

  • Learn more about who’s traditional territory you reside and work on;

  • Explore the collections and resources shared by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada;

  • Read the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada;
  • Watch residential school survivors testify for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
    (content warning);
  • Read the names of the children who were known to have died at residential schools
    (content warning);
  • Watch films relating to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirits
    (content warning).