Green Warriors Community Center
845 Sherbrooke St W
Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4
greenwarriorscommunitycenter@gmail.com
(514) 406- 4510

April 3rd, 2024

Dear Member of the Parliment,

We, the undersigned, are writing to express our urgent concern regarding the deforestation of the Boreal forest and its impact on indigenous communities across Canada. The Boreal forest is not only a vital ecosystem that provides essential ecological services but also holds immense cultural significance for indigenous peoples who have inhabited these lands for generations.

The ongoing deforestation, primarily driven by industrial activities such as logging, poses a severe threat to the livelihoods and well-being of indigenous communities dependent on the forest for sustenance, cultural practices, and traditional knowledge preservation. Furthermore, the loss of forest cover exacerbates climate change, biodiversity loss, and disrupts critical ecosystems.

We urge the federal government to take immediate and decisive action to address this pressing issue. Specifically, we call upon the government to:

1. Implement and enforce sustainable resource management policies that prioritize the protection of the Boreal forest and respect the rights of indigenous communities over their traditional lands.
2. Strengthen consultation processes with indigenous communities to ensure their meaningful participation in decision-making regarding forest management and conservation efforts.
3. Provide support and resources for indigenous-led environmental monitoring, stewardship, and sustainable development projects aimed at preserving the integrity of the Boreal forest while promoting indigenous rights and well-being.
4. Increase funding for research, education, and awareness initiatives to highlight the importance of the Boreal forest ecosystem and the interconnectedness between environmental conservation and indigenous rights.
5. Collaborate with indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies for forest conservation and indigenous empowerment that uphold principles of environmental justice and social equity.

The federal government must take proactive measures to protect the Boreal forest and ensure the rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities are safeguarded for present and future generations. Failure to act swiftly and decisively will have irreversible consequences for both the environment and indigenous peoples.

We, the undersigned, stand in solidarity with indigenous communities and all those advocating for the preservation of the Boreal forest. We urge the government to heed our call for action and prioritize the conservation and sustainable management of this invaluable natural resource.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Sincerely,

Green Warriors Community Center