The Lakes Resiliency Project (LRP), one of several pilot initiatives across British Columbia, aims to develop higher-level forest landscape plans that will shape the future of forestry in the Lakes Timber Supply Area (TSA). The project aims to protect and, where necessary, restore ecosystem health, aligning with First Nations’ inherent stewardship responsibilities and Aboriginal rights. The Lakes Resiliency Project seeks to maintain a viable forestry sector while managing the values placed on forest ecosystems by local communities.
Challenge
The project brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including provincial representatives, nine First Nations with territory in the region, licensees, and technical experts. Coordinating and harmonizing the interests and perspectives of these stakeholders is a complex endeavour. The central challenge lies in striking a balance that prioritizes the vital voices and unique priorities of First Nations while ensuring that all parties collaboratively shape the future of forestry in the area.
Our Solutions
Resonant Strategic joined forces with the LRP in 2022, assuming the ongoing role of project coordination for the First Nations Steering Committee (FNSC). Together, we are navigating complex discussions, resolving potential conflicts, and fostering a unified vision that respects Indigenous values and culture while sustaining a vibrant forestry sector.
Our solutions currently encompass:
- Strategic Planning: We engage in strategic planning to develop clear goals for the FNSC, clarify decision-making processes, enhance the governance structure of the LRP, and develop tools and processes for the meaningful incorporation of Indigenous values and interests in the LRP.
- Communication and Engagement: Resonant Strategic facilitates communication and engagement efforts within each of the nine participating First Nations, fostering dialogue on the LRP’s significance and expected outcomes. This work includes presentations, webinars, targeted interviews, and surveys to gather input from land users, knowledge holders, and general membership.
- Meeting Facilitation: We provide meeting facilitation services for the FNSC, ensuring productive discussions and effective decision-making.
- Technical Liaison: Resonant Strategic attends technical working group meetings on behalf of the FNSC, acting as a bridge between the FNSC and these groups. We also diligently record minutes, ensuring accurate documentation of discussions.
- Provincial Liaison: Our team liaises with the provincial team on the planning table, coordinating communications and advocating for the strategic concerns of the FNSC.
Results
With still more to come, in collaboration with Resonant Strategic, the LRP has made significant progress toward achieving its goals:
- Inclusive Engagement: Community engagement efforts have allowed for the meaningful inclusion of land users, knowledge holders, and general membership in shaping forest management in their territories.
- Enhanced Governance: The governance structure of the LRP has been clarified and strengthened, ensuring that First Nations have a voice in decision-making processes.
- Improved Decision-Making Processes: The collaborative efforts have streamlined decision-making, ensuring First Nations leadership at government-to-government (G2G) tables can confidently endorse milestones, including the final forest landscape plan.
- Relationship Building: Our team is actively building relationships with provincial stakeholders and First Nations, strengthening working relationships.
At Resonant Strategic, we understand that transforming forest planning and management is essential to preserving our natural resources and sustaining the communities that depend on them.