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| About FIA-FSP > Harmonization of Aboriginal Interests |
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The process of harmonizing Aboriginal interests within the FIA-FSP is based on the following premises:
Aboriginal Harmonization Activities 2009-10 MFR is committed to continuing the process of Aboriginal Harmonization within the FIA-FSP, as initiated by the previous administration. Due to the budget reductions experienced in 2009, MFR staff members are reviewing how best to proceed with harmonization under the current FIA-FSP budget allocation. For the current fiscal year, the harmonization process is continuing with the representation of Aboriginal people on the CF-FSAC, who will provide input into Aboriginal research priorities for both strategic planning and the annual priority-setting process. Aboriginal Members of the CF-FSAC The current Aboriginal members of CF-FSAC are Ivan Tallio and Terry Teegee. Ivan Tallio, who holds a B.Sc. (Forestry Operations) from the University of British Columbia, joined the FIA-FSP in April 2008. Ivan works with the BC First Nations Forestry Council. He was previously an auxiliary Aboriginal liaison officer with the Ministry of Forests and Range in the North Island/Central Coast Forest District in Port McNeil, and before that, he was the Forest Operations Manager for the Nuxalk Nation Council in Bella Coola. Ivan brings many years of experience as a First Nations community program manager and elected representative. Terry Teegee, (biography to come) Guidelines for Aboriginal Involvement in Proposals In 2008, Aboriginal advisors to the FIA-FSP established guidelines for researchers regarding the involvement of Aboriginal people in proposed research on their traditional territories or on topics of particular interest to Aboriginal communities (e.g., non-timber forest products). Proponents are required to identify Aboriginal communities nearest to the proposed ground-based research, and contact the appropriate person (e.g., natural resources research) to discuss the proposed research and opportunities for collaboration. The FIA-FSP advocates for research involving Aboriginal peoples that complies with research ethics guidelines and addresses issues of intellectual property. It is anticipated that these guidelines will continue to be used in future FIA-FSP calls for proposals.
Prior to the 2009-2010 Transition Period, the process of harmonization brought Aboriginal advisors into the Forest Sciences Board and research program advisory committees, involved Aboriginal people in identifying research priorities and determining eligible topics for funding in the annual Call for Proposals, and included Aboriginal people in setting guidelines for and participating in the review of research Letters of Intent. The Aboriginal Board members along with the former Chair of the Forest Sciences Board, also pursued collaboration with the BC First Nations Forestry Council (FNFC). This resulted in the development of a Protocol Agreement between the FNFC Board and the Forest Science Board. Harmonization Activities April 2006 to March 2009
Past Aboriginal Advisors to the FIA-FSP Prior to 2009, two Aboriginal advisory groups provided input into the FIA-FSP on the harmonization process and the establishment of an Aboriginal Science Funding Stream. First Nations Advisory Group (FNAG) The First Nations Advisory Group was established in 2006 and consisted of Aboriginal people with experience in both research (including Aboriginal forest research) and day-to-day forestry activities. Initially identified through an expression of interest led by the First Nations MPB Working Group (now the First Nations Forestry Council [FNFC]), the FNAG originally included four representatives who sat as advisors to the Board. The group was subsequently expanded to encompass representatives from five regions of the province. First Nations Harmonization Working Group In February 2007, the FSB established a First Nations Harmonization Working Group to advise on the further harmonization of Aboriginal interests in FIA-FSP. These include the research priority-setting process, development of proposal review guidelines, and participation in the proposal review process, and developing an Aboriginal Harmonization Strategy. Working Group members included the FSB Aboriginal members, FSB Chair, PAC chairs, Ministry liaison (MFR), FIA-FSP Secretariat (Cortex Consultants Inc.), FIA-FSP Program Administrator (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP), and First Nations Forestry Council CEO.
History of Collaboration with First Nations (2006 - 2009) Regional Workshops with First Nations Communities Three workshops were held with First Nations communities in Prince George, Kamloops, and Nanaimo in September 2006 to raise awareness of the FIA-FSP and obtain input on First Nations interests in land-based research and extension FORREX - Workshop Evaluation Results Report ( Collaboration with the BC First Nations Forestry Council (FNFC) Starting in January 2007, the Forest Science Board Aboriginal members and Chair began meeting with the FNFC CEO to discuss Aboriginal interests in research and the harmonization process. In June 2008, a communications and collaboration Protocol Agreement was signed by the Chairs of FNFC and FSB. On February 27, 2007, the FIA-FSP and newly formed First Nations Forestry Council (FNFC) co-hosted a dialogue session with First Nations leaders, researchers, and communities, and members of the Forest Science Board and its committees. The purpose of the session was to initiate open dialogue between the two scientific communities to encourage understanding and foster collaboration in pursuing land-based research through the FIA-FSP. Approximately 60 people from around the province sat together to have an open dialogue on the past, present, and future role of forest-based research in their respective careers, communities, and cultures. FIA-FSP/FNFC Dialogue Session Report ( Aboriginal Science Funding Stream (ASFS) Development of an Aboriginal Science Funding Stream was initiated in late 2008; however, due to the budget reduction experienced in 2009, development of this program been suspended for the 2009-10. This program may be reinitiated in future years, should funding levels increase beyond the 2009 budget allocation. Should funding levels increase in the future, the structure and form of this new funding stream will be based on input received during two 1.5 day workshops held in December 2008 and January 2009. At these workshops, participants, including Aboriginal knowledge keepers, western science researchers, and individuals familiar with both Aboriginal and western approaches to developing knowledge, were asked In July 2008, the FSB and FNFC agreed to collaborate in developing the concept for delivering an Aboriginal science funding stream through the FIA-FSP. In late December 2008 and January 2009, two 1.5-day workshops were held with Aboriginal knowledge keepers, western science researchers, and individuals familiar with both Aboriginal and western approaches to developing knowledge, to develop this concept for further consideration by the two Boards FIA-FSP and the FNFC Board. Workshop participants identified characteristics of an Aboriginal science funding stream that would complement the existing FIA-FSP research program by providing specific funding for research to improve the integration of Aboriginal thinking and involvement in managing British Columbia's forest and range lands. They also identified a potential governance structure, kinds of research, processes for determining research priorities, and criteria for assessing research proposals. An Aboriginal needs assessment is being conducted in 2009 by FORREX will help to inform research priorities for the ASFS. The Forest Science Board will consider this information in determining how to proceed regarding developing a business plan and request for ASFS funding in fiscal year 2010/11.
Involvement in Call for Proposals Updating Research Strategies In 2006, the Aboriginal Board members and FNAG members reviewed the 2007/08 eligible research topics and identified topics that addressed Aboriginal research interests. In 2007, the FNAG identified Aboriginal research interests and ranked critical research to include in the Sustainability and Forest Growth and Value Program strategies through the following process: 1. First Nations Advisory Group (FNAG) solicited input from Aboriginal communities, practitioners, and researchers to develop a list of Aboriginal research interests, which it submitted to the SPAC and FPAC. 2. FNAG assigned members to the SPAC and FPAC, and held meetings between PAC meetings to review progress and issues with the FNAG members of the PACs. 3. SPAC and FPAC reviewed the Aboriginal research priorities submitted by the FNAG:
Most research priorities included in the strategies were consistent with Aboriginal interests. In all, 61 of the 99 research priorities in the Sustainability Program Strategy and 14 of the 67 research priorities in the Forest Growth and Value Strategy were identified as being of particular interest to Aboriginal communities. Determining Eligible Research Topics Prior to 2009, members of the FNAG participated in the annual determination of eligible research topics, to ensure Aboriginal interests were incorporated into the annual call for proposals.
FIA-FSP and First Nations of BC Newsletter - Aug 2008 ( FIA-FSP and First Nations of BC Newsletter - Mar 2008 ( FIA-FSP and First Nations of BC Newsletter - Aug 2007 ( |
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