How It Works

In September 2003, the Akaitcho Territory Government and the First Nation Forestry Program sponsored one of the learners at the Fort Resolution community learning centre, Rosy Bjornson, to attend the 12th World Forestry Congress in Quebec City. Four thousand delegates from all over the world came together in these discussions to come up with solutions on sustainable development in the world’s eco-systems. Prior to the Congress, the Heron-Wendat tribe hosted the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Forestry to develop an action plan to be presented to the Congress. Three hundred delegates attended this forum. Together, they developed and documented what is now known as the Wendeke Action Plan.

Rosy met many indigenous people and environmentalists from around the world, who were all concerned about sustainable development. She was given a voice on issues that concerned her. When she returned, she wrote a report, “Forests: A Source of Life,” for her sponsors and an ABE English 140 essay entitled “Indigenous People and the Land They Own.” She was also interviewed on the radio about her experiences. This was an incredible learning experience for Rosy, who plans to go into environmental studies.