In the aftermath of the mountain pine beetle infestation, the North Central region of BC witnessed reduced biodiversity, fish and watersheds at high risk, and dwindling habitat for furbearers, moose, and caribou—compelling reasons to rethink land management practices.
Challenge
In early 2020, Resonant Strategic was tasked with developing a communications and engagement framework for members of the Carrier Sekani First Nations and non-Indigenous stakeholders in their traditional territories. The goal was clear: to pioneer a new approach to Resource Management Planning (RMP) that would enable collaborative decision-making on the land, starting with forestry.
Solutions
- Communications and Engagement Strategy: Resonant Strategic crafted a Communications and Engagement Strategy to facilitate collaborative jurisdiction between the province and the Carrier Sekani First Nations, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Crafting Top-Level Messages: We crafted top-level messaging around the pressing issues of climate change, the response to mountain pine beetle infestations, increased harvesting, and the cumulative effects on First Nations rights, title, and interests.
- Engaging Membership: Our approach centered on engagement with the Carrier Sekani First Nations membership through a series of webinars and support for the province in conveying the essence of Resource Management Planning through their own internal structures.
- Direct Team Support: Resonant Strategic currently facilitates the Carrier Sekani Resource Management Planning team. This dedicated team is pioneering a robust plan and process that empowers Carrier Sekani First Nations to jointly make decisions based on their values, priorities, and traditional laws. Resonant Strategic is responsible for keeping this team on track with workplanning and convening meetings, as well as developing updates for leadership to ensure that the RMP continues to reflect community priorities.
Results
The collaborative efforts have brought about profound outcomes:
- Shared Values: The project resonates with everyone in the region who holds dear the values of sustainability, reconciliation, and responsible land management.
- Collaboration in Action: The province and Carrier Sekani First Nations are engaging stakeholders, the public, and residents in the region to shape the future collectively. Two parties are coming together, driven by the spirit of Reconciliation, to make decisions collaboratively.
- Aligning Legislation: Provincial legislation and regulations are being aligned with First Nations’ aspirations for the land.
Our partnership with the Province of British Columbia and the Carrier Sekani First Nations exemplifies our commitment to redefining resource management planning for a sustainable and inclusive future as we decolonize and indigenize decision-making.