SNC has been working together with indigenous partners in the Mohawk and the Algonquin Nations for over 20 years.
Some of the very first projects included a Black Ash Management Project and a Medicinal Plant Project. During this time, there was an identified need to create a working group to ensure close collaboration with each other on the ground within our shared territories.
SNC has worked to maintain this invaluable partnership and relations with both First Nations and has grown to include additional partners over the years. The Eastern Ontario First Nations Working Group (EOFNWG) is a non-political group, working on the ground together to join efforts on issues that affect all of us, throughout Eastern Ontario. Over the years the group has tracked species at risk, invasive species, biodiversity and biodiversity offsets, carried out restoration projects and offered advice. The group has created new jobs for its members and for the First Nations and provides access to highly needed resources for many First Nations. This relationship helped SNC and the Eastern Ontario Model Forest to achieve our FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certificate.
The EOFNWG is made up of individuals representing:
- Plenty Canada
- Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation and other Algonquin Nations
- Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
- Alderville First Nation
- South Nation Conservation
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
- Mississippi Valley Conservation
- Raisin Region Conservation
- Rideau Valley Conservation
- Eastern Ontario Model Forest
- Boisés Est
- United Counties of Stormont Dundas & Glengarry
- United Counties of Leeds & Grenville
- United Counties of Prescott & Russell
- County of Renfrew
- County of Lanark
- Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
- Algonquin 2 Adirondack
- Individual citizens
The EOFNWG uses its diverse compliment of members, including their experience and knowledge, to work collaboratively to address and guide environmental issues and management plans in eastern Ontario and beyond.