Although relatively few First Nations individuals are employed in the forest industry, this type of employment is an important source of income. The base case forecast indicates short-term employment in the forest sector could continue at its present level for First Nations, with possible reductions in the future. However, the development of First Nations forest enterprises has the potential to maintain or increase this type of employment.
There is concern about the potential impacts of harvesting and road development on forests used for cultural, medicinal and food sources, particularly because of the relatively high reliance on traditional activities by many First Nations people within the Mackenzie area (SEA page 48). First Nations are eager to address their concerns through treaty negotiations.
