Canada's boreal region is home to hundreds of rural and remote communities. These communities rely heavily on the forest and other natural resources for jobs and economic stability. Their participation in decisions about how the forest is used and managed is key to their well-being. Federal, provincial and territorial governments have policies, programs and other measures in place to foster this participation.

Some 300 boreal communities rely on the forest sector for at least 50 percent of their income. They range in size from fewer than 300 inhabitants to up to 29,000. Another 222 communities depend on the boreal woodlands for at least 20 percent of their income. In all, according to Canada's 2001 census, 2.53 million people live in Canada's boreal region communities.

Aboriginal peoples are the original human inhabitants of the area. For millennia, they have viewed the forest not so much as a landscape or resource, but as a world-a complex natural support system which provided food and materials for shelter, clothing, transportation, medicines and tools, and was the source of their spirituality. These peoples continue to look to the forest as a means of livelihood and a source of cultural and spiritual sustenance.

More than 800 Aboriginal communities are located in Canada's productive forest. They range from single-person operations to large-scale developers. About 1,000 forestry operations are owned by Aboriginal persons, and an estimated 15,000 Aboriginal people in Canada make their living in forestry and logging. While forestry is the mainstay of many boreal communities, other resource based economic activities also take place in the region.

Canadians recognize that the stability and future well-being of boreal communities are a key measure of sustainable forest management. The sustainability of boreal communities and the rights and participation of Aboriginal peoples in forest management are two central themes of Canada's National Forest Strategy. These aspects are also underscored in Canada's Criteria and Indicators Framework.

Forest management in Canada is shifting from centralized government regulation to community-based solutions and increased public involvement in decision making. A key participatory process for communities is "integrated land-use planning". Canada's model forests are another important platform for community voices. Each model forest is managed by a partnership of groups and individuals representing diverse forest values.

Aboriginal peoples in Canada merit an important place at forestry planning tables. The meaningful participation of these communities in land-use planning is an important national goal. Land-claim agreements and treaties are two primary tools for enabling Aboriginal involvement in land-use resource decisions. Government policies and programs, combined with innovative partnerships with industry and other stakeholders, have helped Aboriginal people find jobs and create business opportunities in the boreal forest.

Canada's responsibility in the boreal forest ranges from local to global. The overarching goal is the sustainable development of the boreal forest.