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National Indigenous Forestry Knowledge Network
Connecting Nations to advance meaningful Indigenous participation in Forest Management.
FSC Hub: Indigenous Knowledge Network
Across Canada, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Hubs network is working to connect regional partners to foster dialogue, share practical tools, and strengthen Indigenous-led forest stewardship. Through this initiative, regional hubs provide dedicated resources and host knowledge-sharing gatherings designed to increase awareness of and meaningful engagement with FSC standards among First Nations.
Wahkohtowin serves as the Northeastern Ontario regional FSC Hub, within the Indigenous Knowledge Network. Our mission is to advance the practical application of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) within FSC-certified forests and to empower First Nations with peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. By creating a collaborative space to navigate FSC processes, the Network ensures First Nations can participate meaningfully, effectively, and self-determinedly in forest decision-making and land stewardship.
How We Engage
The Indigenous Knowledge Network facilitates dialogue and collaboration through two engagement pathways:
· Bi-Annual In-Person Gatherings: Held twice a year and rotating to different locations across Northeastern Ontario, these in-person meetings bring together community representatives, land users, and practitioners to address on-the-ground priorities, share regional case studies, and discuss shared forestry challenges.
· Bi-Annual Online Webinars: Driven directly by the key topics and emerging interests raised during our in-person sessions, these interactive virtual webinars take a deeper dive into practical tools, standard updates, and best practices. While tailored to the priorities of Northeastern Ontario, the webinars are open to a wider audience, and interested participants are invited to register directly through this page.
Upcoming Events
October 28, 2026
Discussing regional priorities, tools for FPIC, and conservation.
Contact conservation@wahkohtowin.com to register.
In-person,
Timmins
Free, Prior and Informed Consent
Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is fundamental to FSC certification under Principle 3, moving beyond standard procedural consultation to ensure First Nations hold decision-making authority over activities within their traditional territories. In Northeastern Ontario, where certified forests directly overlap ancestral lands and treaty areas, FPIC requires forest managers to respect Indigenous governance, protect cultural values, and secure community agreement prior to operations.
The Indigenous Knowledge Network aims to equip First Nations with shared tools, verification strategies, and peer insights, transforming FPIC from a policy requirement into a practical application of meaningful self-determination and forest stewardship.
Contact Us
For questions or more information,
please contact us by email.
WE ARE WAHKOHTOWIN
Our People
and Lands have stories to tell
We have been stewards of our lands and waters for thousands of years. Today, we find richness and vibrance through innovation for a conservation economy, the revitalization of our culture and practices, and rekindling our relationship with our Land.
Join our conversation, and share in our collaborative approach to ensure sustainability and harmony within our lands, our people, and our livelihoods for future generations.