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The Boreal forest is integral to the northern indigenous peoples´ way of life. Its natural integrity is linked to their survival as peoples. Modern forestry creates threats, but there are opportunities, like certification schemes, that can initiate a responsible development. The conference will focus on this, including land and resource rights and will highlight forest practices that are ecologically appropriate and that promote the social and economic development of Indigenous communities.
The conference follows the intentions of the EU plan Northern Dimension and a joint statement by Canada and the EU on Northern Co-operation where high priority is given to sustainable management of natural resources, preserving biodiversity and issues of interest to the Arctic indigenous peoples affected by Northern Dimension policies.
The conference will bring together international forest experts, deputies, representatives of indigenous peoples, environmental associations and officials. The conference is open to an international audience. The programme is structured to allow for a constructive multi-stakeholder dialogue.
For the benefit of indigenous participants, pre and post meetings will be held outside of the regular conference programme.
The Sami Council and the Grand Council of the Crees hereby invites you
to an interesting and rewarding conference.
CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS
Sami Council
The conference is hosted by The Sami Council, established in 1956.
It is a non governmental organisation representing the Sami people in Sweden,
Norway, Finland and Russia. The main objectives of its work are the promotion
of Sami economic, social and cultural rights domestically and internationally.
The Sami Council has been active on forest issues since its creation. More
information about The Sami Council is available at:
www.samicouncil.org
Grand Council of the Crees
The Canadian co-organiser of this conference is the Grand Council of
the Crees. It is the political voice of the James Bay Crees who live in
the province of Quebec, Canada. Established in 1974 by eight Cree communities.
Further information on the Grand Council of Crees can be obtained on
their website www.gcc.ca
LOCATION
The conference will take place in Jokkmokk in northern Sweden. Fly
to Stockholm for connecting flights or train to Luleå or Gällivare.
From Luleå and Gällivare there are daily bus connections to
Jokkmokk.
CONFERENCE LANGUAGES
Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English, Swedish,
Sami and Cree language.
REGISTRATION
Please send your completed registration form by mail or fax together
with payment not later than August 15, 2001. Confirmation and conference
material will be sent out after the registration form and payment has been
received.
Registration address Nordiska Samerådet
P.O.Box 44
S-962 02 MATTISUDDEN
SWEDEN
Tel (0)971 320 25
Fax (0)971 320 37
Registration fee
Until August 15: 1400 SEK/196 CAD After
August 15: 1500 SEK/ 209 CAD
WEBSITE
The conference website
www.sapmi.se/forestconference
will provide
information updates, speakers, programme, preparatory material etc.
It will
be available after 18 June, 2001
FURTHER INFORMATION
Lisbeth Blind
Geoff Quaile
Conference-Co-Ordinator Grand Council of the Crees
lisa.blind@same.net gcquaile@gcc.ca
Tel (0)971 320 25 Tel 613-761-1655
Fax (0)971 320 37 Fax 613-761-1388