1. REFRAMING FOREST-BASED DEVELOPMENT AS FIRST NATION-MUNICIPAL
COLLABORATION: LESSONS FROM LAKE SUPERIOR’S NORTH SHORE
Ryan Bullock
School of Environment and Sustainability
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
ryan.bullock@usask.ca
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 local capacity, resources, and governance structures requisite for effective and
equitable participation. This study documents the early stages of a First Nation-municipal forest-
based 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 realized 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 gradually saw 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.