An Indigenous perspective on economic sustainability in mountain pine beetle-affected communities

Abstract

The mountain pine beetle (MPB) infestation has created momentum for change in British Columbia. Over the past 3 - 4 years, the formation of collaborative networks and other innovative partnerships, such as the First Nations Mountain Pine Beetle Initiative (FNMPBI), has identified strengths in multiagency economic development dialogue and problem solving. For the 103 First Nations communities affected by the MPB, a need exists to further transform this collaborative and synergistic atmosphere into tangible economic gains for local communities, whereby First Nations are full partners (rather than mere stakeholders) in the design and implementation of joint decision making, integrated planning, and sectoral strategy development for traditional lands. Equally important is the opportunity to acknowledge First Nations knowledge, values, and connection to nature and the surrounding land base. This commentary reflects on key discussion points that arose during the FNMPBI strategic planning sessions and the respective implications for advancing economic sustainability in MPB-affected First Nations communities in British Columbia.