Sarah Parsons, University of Northern BCMarch 11th, 2006 - WDCAG AGM, Kamloops, BC
Aboriginal Measures of Success Aboriginal Measures of Success in Sustainable Forest Co-in Sustainable Forest Co-
management:management:A test of participatory methodsA test of participatory methods
Project Background
• Community-University Research Alliance (CURA)• Tl’azt’en Nation-UNBC
• John Prince Research Forest • Co-managed working
forest• Research, Education,
Forest Management
John Prince Research
Forest
What is a Measure?
• Adaptive management tool
• It is a sign or signal to assess progress towards a specified outcome
• Example: Local Employment• The proportion of personnel budget
spent on Tl’azt’enne
• The satisfaction of Tl’azt’en Staff with work-related learning opportunities
Forest Management Measures
• Local-level initiatives• Model Forests• Research• Third Party
Certification• Government
Policy
• Challenges• Qualitative
measures• Social values• Meaningful
stakeholder involvement
• Aboriginal issues
Criteria and Indicators of Sustainable Forest Co-
management • Initiated to
improve co-management of the JPRF
• Identified desired JPRF outcomes
• Community benefits • Cultural
Revitalization
JPRFResearch
Environmental
Social
Policy/Governance
Cultural
Economic
“What outcomes do you expect from the John
Prince Research Forest?”
Research Objectives
1. Create and implement a method to develop Aboriginal measures of co-management success
2. Develop guidelines for the method
3. Assess the method, and recommend improvements
Data Transformed to Measures
Personal Transformativ
e Process
Conduct Interview
Analyze Data
Develop Questions
STAGE 1 STAGE 2 STAGE 3
Method Overview
Experience working in the community, relationship
building
Background reading on
Tl'azt'en and Aboriginal peoples
Reading on community-
based research and
Aboriginal Measures
Data Transformed to Measures
Personal Transformativ
e Process
Conduct Interview
Analyze Data
Develop Questions
Gaining Perspective
Data Transformed to Measures
Personal Transformativ
e Process
Analyze Data
Data Collection
Analysis of JPRF
Outcomes Data
Interviews on Measures
Focus Group on Measures
and Guidelines
Conduct Interview
Develop Questions
Tl’azt’en Guidelines
1. Community-based2. Linked to JPRF3. Positive focus4. Technical/layman’s terminology5. Qualitative/quantitative6. Valid7. Reliable8. Realistic
Convert Data to
Measures
Review of Preliminary Results
Community Verification
Data Transformed to Measures
Personal Transformative
Process
Conduct Interview
Analyze Data
Develop Questions
Data Refinement
Measures Summary
• 52 Measures for Cultural Revitalization• Seven Themes:
• Dak’elh language and place names• Respecting traditional governance• Involving Tl’azt’enne• Using research to preserve culture• Using education to preserve culture• Supporting cultural activities• Well-being of traditional culture
Value: Cultural Revitalization
THEME MEASUREUsing Dak'elh language and place names
Number and/or Percentage of maps and signs produced by JPRF that are bilingual or primarily use Dak'elh, by type
Involving Tl'azt'enne
Description of how JPRF has worked with elders
Example Measures
Method Analysis• Necessary to go beyond outcomes
data for measures• Outcomes Data (15%)
• Group discussion essential• New ideas• Verification• Guidelines
Conclusions
• First Nations can be effectively involved in creating measures
• Data synthesis can retain authenticity
• First Nations social and cultural values can be measured
• Implications for: • C&I-based evaluation systems• Co-management
• Research needs
Questions…?
