Indigenous stewardship and economic reconciliation
June 21, 2025
How we steward forests—and how Indigenous peoples are centered in decision-making and the economic benefits of forest stewardship—is an important part of reconciliation in Canada.
Indigenous History Month is celebrated throughout the month of June, and National Indigenous Peoples Day falls on June 21. Both observances recognize the traditions, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. For us at Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation, that means three things: celebrating Indigenous leadership in forest management and biodiversity stewardship, deepening learning about economic reconciliation, and being resolute about our Indigenous Economic Collaboration Model.
Celebrating Indigenous stewards: a cornerstone of safeguarding biodiversity and acting on climate
Indigenous people globally and in Canada are crucial to the protection of forests and safeguarding of biodiversity. Indigenous wisdom forms the cornerstone of conservation, and Indigenous-led conservation efforts are a key part of reaching 2030 biodiversity targets. Indigenous contributions to conservation, while substantial and enduring, are often undervalued.
More than 70% of Indigenous people in Canada live in the Boreal region, where their stewardship makes significant contributions to preserving over 25% of the world’s intact wetlands. These ecosystems are critical not just to biodiversity but also to keeping carbon in the ground, as a way to help mitigate climate change. A large proportion of intact forested landscapes are within Indigenous land, making contributions crucial to the mitigation action needed to avoid catastrophic climate change.
“Indigenous-led forestry plays a crucial role in managing Canada’s forests, underscoring the deep cultural, economic, and traditional connections Indigenous peoples have with the land,” wrote Indigenous Resource Network Executive Director John Desjarlais.
“Canada’s forestry sector stands at a crossroads, facing significant challenges related to the economy, climate change, and forest fires,” said Desjarlais. “The historical and cultural significance of forests to Indigenous communities highlights the deep-rooted connections and knowledge that can be pivotal in addressing these issues.”
Deepening learning about economic reconciliation
Economic reconciliation is about the inclusion of Indigenous people, communities and business in all aspects of economic activity. It is about Indigenous people having autonomy, decision-making power, and sovereignty in decision making. Economic reconciliation means that Indigenous Peoples are included in and benefit from Canada’s prosperity. The economic inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s economy addresses past wrongs, while also acting as an investment that can benefit all Canadians. Closing the opportunity gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians could even increase Canada’s GDP by billions every year.
And the Indigenous economy is fast growing, though systemic barriers and gaps remain. “The scale of Indigenous economic activity has now surpassed the $100 billion milestone — signaling powerful momentum for future growth,” shares the Indigenomics Institute. The Institute is now calling on partners across sectors to focus on building Indigenous economic value — with Indigenous Nations, businesses, and leaders shaping the future economy on their own terms. Just this month, the Indigenomics Institute launched a national reconciliation action planning hub to drive Indigenous economic outcomes and self-determination.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission outlined Calls for Action for all parts of society, and action #92 focused on fostering mutually beneficial economic opportunities for Indigenous communities. A key part of this call to action is free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), which is explicitly included as a fundamental right for Indigenous people in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“The advancement of Indigenous economic development is an integral piece of reconciliation, as well as the overall growth of the economy in Canada,” as articulated by the National Indigenous Economic Development Board.
Our Indigenous Economic Collaboration Model
Recognizing the substantial leadership role of Indigenous people in safeguarding biodiversity and acting on climate, as well as this need for economic reconciliation, we want to do our part. In close partnership with our longtime advisor, JP Gladu, we created an Indigenous Economic Collaboration Model that is designed to foster partnerships with Indigenous communities, where profits and work opportunities are shared. Together we are building this program based on trust, relationships, and shared values. This model creates a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership where Indigenous communities gain immediate financial benefits, and secure long-term economic opportunities.
Here’s how it works: the model is built around profit sharing, job creation, recurring revenue, and minimal financial risk for partner communities. Profit sharing looks like 25% of the net income from every project goes directly to the Indigenous community partner. The partnering community has the first right of refusal to carry out forest management and conservation work, which can create a second revenue stream where the goods and services are covered by CFTC. The model offers opportunities for community members to reconnect with the land, develop new skills, and drive economic growth within communities. These projects are designed for the long term, providing a recurring revenue stream for at least 15 years. Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation (CFTC) handles land-related costs, ensuring minimal financial risk for the partner community.
This model aims to create a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership where Indigenous communities gain immediate financial benefits and secure long-term economic opportunities. We remain committed to ensuring that economic reconciliation is a core pillar of our work.
Through collaboration and partnerships that are grounded in respect, reciprocity and shared goals between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, we can address urgent environmental challenges while creating shared work opportunities and profits, and contributing to progress towards reconciliation.
