Reconciliation in Forestry: Working toward the same goal
This article was written by Chief Otis Guichon of Tŝideldel First Nation for Canadian Forest Industries www.woodbusiness.ca/final-cut-reconciliation-in-forestry/
The future of forestry depends on how forests are managed, who is involved in decisions, and how benefits are shared. For Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR), this is where reconciliation becomes practical.
CCR is an Indigenous-led forestry organization, a joint venture of Tŝideldel First Nation, Tl’etinqox Government, and Yunesit’in Government. Its work includes large-scale forest rehabilitation, wildfire risk reduction, and wood fibre recovery and utilization, working alongside government, industry, and forestry organizations across the Cariboo Chilcotin region in British Columbia.
Reconciliation in forestry is simply working together to achieve the same goal of healthy forests and healthy communities.
Healthy forests and healthy communities are connected. The condition of the land affects the people who live on it and depend on it. In the Cariboo Chilcotin, we have seen the impacts of wildfire, mountain pine beetle, and other pressures on our forests.
Rehabilitation and wildfire risk reduction are part of caring for the land, making our communities more resilient, and ensuring the forests continue to provide environmental, cultural, and economic benefits into the future.
Working toward that shared goal means First Nations having a meaningful role in decisions affecting their territories. It also means looking at forest management and ownership in ways that recognize Indigenous rights.
Traditional ecological knowledge is also an important part of forest management. First Nations bring generations of knowledge and connection to the land, which can work alongside scientific and technical knowledge to support informed decisions grounded in Indigenous rights, cultural heritage, and traditional laws.
Reconciliation also means creating meaningful economic opportunities. Ownership, long-term business ventures and revenue-sharing models are ways for First Nations to participate more fully in forestry and support community growth.
CCR is one example of what that participation can look like. Through the joint venture, First Nations have a direct leadership role in forestry work taking place within their territories.
I have seen progress, particularly in partnerships between First Nations companies and industry; but more work is needed to build stronger relationships with government staff and ministers.
Creating strong relationships requires consistency. First Nations need to be involved early enough to help shape decisions, rather than being brought into conversations after the direction has already been set.
Building trust takes time, and it depends on governments, industry, and First Nations understanding each other’s priorities and being willing to work through challenges together. When those relationships are built on respect and a shared commitment to the land, we can make better decisions and create stronger outcomes for everyone.
For reconciliation to move forward, governments, industry, and First Nations all need to participate. That is particularly important when decisions affect forest management, Indigenous rights, and economic opportunities within First Nations territories.
My vision for the future is straightforward. I want forests managed the way they should be managed, with everyone working together to create healthier, more resilient forests, sustain the economy, and respect Indigenous leadership and perspectives.
That work also needs to extend beyond today’s projects and partnerships. I hope what is being built now will continue for our future youth, creating opportunities for generations to come.
Reconciliation in forestry ultimately comes back to working together for healthy forests, healthy communities, and future generations.
Otis Guichon is Nits’ilʔin (Chief) of Tŝideldel First Nation, and Tribal Chief of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government.
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