History, engagement, and visibility of Indigenous Peoples in urban forest management plans from Canada and the United States

Abstract

Environmental justice in urban forestry is concerned with recognizing and centering the needs of under-engaged communities in planning and decision-making processes. To examine the engagement and visibility of Indigenous Peoples in urban forestry, this study reviewed 181 urban forest management plans (UFMPs) from Canada and the United States. Themes pertaining to Indigenous Peoples were found in only 16 Canadian (22 %) and 27 US (25 %) UFMPs. The most common reference to Indigeneity in the UFMPs briefly referred to the pre-European history of the region, often omitting how settler-colonialism impacted the socio-ecological landscape. Only three UFMPs included a land acknowledgement, despite all cities being located on traditional territory of Indigenous Peoples. Even with a focus on the socio-ecological benefits of urban trees throughout the UFMPs, few referenced socio-cultural and provisioning benefits for Indigenous Peoples specifically. On-going Indigenous engagement was only discussed in one UFMP, although five acknowledged Indigenous engagement in creating the UFMP and eight mentioned plans for long-term engagement. Reconciliation was described in three UFMPs, with one Canadian UFMP referencing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Given the deep cultural connection that Indigenous communities share with the environment, the impacts of settler colonialism, and the underrepresentation of reconciliation and decolonization principles with urban environmental planning, it is imperative that Indigenous Peoples be recognized and centered within urban forest planning and decision-making. Supporting engagement and co-governance with Indigenous Peoples acknowledges their rights, traditional ways of knowing, promotes recognitional justice, and helps to foster a more sustainable and just urban future.