Environmental Assessment And Saskatchewan's First Nations: A Resource Handbook

This handbook was developed to assist in building capacity and improving the overall understanding of environmental assessment (EA) within the First Nations communities of Saskatchewan. It was developed by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) under contract with the Prince Albert Model Forest (PAMF). The content is based on the inputs collected at the first meeting of the PAMF Aboriginal Caucus which was held on May 15, 2008, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The training module is intended to be a training tool and community resource for First Nations interested in participating in EA.

ii. About the Aboriginal Caucus

The Aboriginal Caucus was created by the Board of the PAMF in an effort to bring all Aboriginal partners to a common table to share ideas, discuss concerns and formulate solutions. The development of the Aboriginal Caucus was made possible by PAGC funding through INAC Lands & Environment Assistance Program. The goal of the Caucus is to highlight First Nations issues, while seeking to engage First Nations members of the PAMF in a meaningful way. The Caucus is intended to address the need for ongoing and direct involvement with Aboriginal partners and also serve as the learning platform that will guide Aboriginal training, understanding and participation in the forest resource sector. This handbook is the first initiative of the PAMF Aboriginal Caucus.

iii. About the Prince Albert Model Forest

The PAMF is a non?profit partnership of forest users who are committed to enhancing the sustainability of Saskatchewan’s forests through research, education and the equitable sharing of forest resources. The partnership is representative of industry, governments and First Nations. The PAMF is 367,000 ha of mixed?wood forest, located 70 kms north of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada.

The vision of the PAMF is to demonstrate “…the spirit of Sustainable Forest Management through the power of working together” (Prince Albert Model Forest 2005). The mission is “to work towards Sustainable Forest Management through the development and testing of new forest management tools, sharing of our successes, developing linkages, and expanding the partnership” (Prince Albert Model Forest 2005).

The partners of the PAMF are:

The goals of the PAMF partnership are:

Web site: http://mfiqlx.sasktelwebhosting.com/home.html

iv. About the International Institute for Sustainable Development

IISD is a Canadian?based not?for?profit organization with a diverse team of more than 150 people located in more than 30 countries. Through our dynamic portfolio of projects over the years, we have partnered with hundreds of organizations throughout the world. As a policy research institute dedicated to effective communication of our findings, we engage decision?makers in government, business, non?governmental organizations and other sectors in the development and implementation of policies that are simultaneously beneficial to the global economy, the global environment and to social well?being. IISD’s vision is better living for all—sustainably. IISD champions sustainable development around the world through innovation, partnerships, research and communications. We are in the business of promoting change towards sustainable development by advancing policy recommendations on international trade and investment, economic policy, climate change and energy, measurement and assessment, and sustainable natural resources management.

Web site: http://www.iisd.org

Tags: First Nations  Canada  Saskatchewan  environmental assessment  handbook  natural resources  EA