Reframing Forest-Based Development As First Nation–Municipal Collaboration: Lessons from Lake Superior’s North Shore

Ryan Bullock

doi:10.29173/jaed305

Authors

Ryan Bullock

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/jaed305

Keywords:

Business And Economics, Collaboration, Decision making, Economic development, Empowerment, Environmental stewardship, Ethnic Interests, Forestry, Frame analysis, Governance, Innovations, Land use planning, Learning, Native North Americans, Power, Regional government, Regional variations, Teaching, Working relationships

Abstract

Changes in Northern Ontario's planning and policy context (e.g., forest tenure reform, Far North Act) are creating opportunities and obligations for First Nations and towns that often are not matched by the local capacity, resources, and governance structures requisite for effective and equitable participation. This paper documents the early stages of a First Nation-municipal forestbased development initiative in the Northeast Superior Region and interprets evolving perspectives of 27 First Nation and non-First Nation interviewees concerning the establishment of counterpart regional governance forums - the Northeast Superior Forest Community and Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs' Forum. The analysis shows how contrasting framings of common problems, solutions, identities, and power relations contributed to conflict but also innovation for eventual collaboration. First Nations acted on their obligation to teach other groups how they wanted to be engaged and the importance of developing culturally appropriate protocols to initiate and structure working relationships. First Nations and municipal representatives realized the need and benefit of redistributing different sources of power to strengthen their network and the common voice of the region. The conclusion offers lessons about building trust and relationships, the role of teaching and learning, and avenues to empowerment for fostering First Nation-municipal collaboration.

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