Upholding FSC’s Principle 3: Strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ Membership, Representation, and Voice in FSC
This session explores how FSC can better uphold Principle 3: “The Organization shall identify and uphold Indigenous Peoples’ legal and customary rights of ownership, use and management of land, territories and resources affected by management activities.” Co-organized by the FSC Indigenous Foundation and FSC Social South Chamber, the session focuses on strengthening Indigenous Peoples’—especially women’s and youth’s—presence in FSC’s structures through active membership and leadership.
Participants will examine cultural, linguistic, and systemic barriers to engagement, and propose inclusive governance models and culturally appropriate participation protocols. Indigenous leaders from different regions will share experiences and case studies, highlighting the essential role of Indigenous voices in shaping FSC standards and decisions.
The session aims to foster equity, increase Indigenous participation, and promote lasting impact in FSC’s governance. Interactive tools and a Q&A will invite audience input to build collective strategies for more inclusive and representative FSC processes.
Alina Liviet S Liviet Santiago, FSC PIPC
Ms. Alina Santiago is a Zapotec leader from Oaxaca, Mexico, dedicated to defending Indigenous rights and sustainable practices. She serves as Chair of the FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee and is an individual member of FSC’s Southern Social Chamber. With over 20 years of experience, Alina has worked alongside Indigenous communities on forest certification, governance, and sustainable livelihoods, promoting Indigenous-led solutions to environmental and social challenges through her advocacy, project development, training, and collaboration with national and international organizations.
David Flood, FSC PIPC
David Flood (Zonzei Maiingun) is from Matachewan First Nation, an Ojibway community in northeast Ontario. He is Co-Chair of the FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee. With over 30 years’ experience in forestry, land management, advocacy, and business development, he serves as General Manager of Wahkohtowin Development, advancing Indigenous-led forest and land stewardship. David is passionate about cultural revival and youth-elder relationships. He holds a B.Sc. in Forest Management and is a Registered Professional Forester in Ontario.
Praful Lakra, FSC PIPC
Praful Lakra, of the Kurukh (Oraon) People in India, is Co-Chair of the FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee and its Representative for Asia. With over 14 years’ experience in social work, he advocates for marginalized tribal communities, focusing on rights to forests, food, and gender equality. Praful has led programs on community empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, and human rights, and has represented Indigenous Peoples internationally, advancing their rights and sustainable development through effective leadership and advocacy.
Niila Inga, FSC PIPC
Niila Inga is a reindeer herder from Laevas in Swedish Sápmi and a dedicated advocate for Indigenous rights. As the PIPC representative for Europe and a council member of the FSC Indigenous Foundation, he works to protect Sámi livelihoods against extractive industries. With decades of experience in reindeer husbandry and community leadership, Niila champions Indigenous rights and cultural preservation, ensuring Sámi voices are heard and traditions safeguarded for future generations.
Tolita David Angeles, FSC PIPC
Tolita Davis-Angeles is a Cobble Cobble woman from the Barunggam Nation in Queensland, Australia. She is Chair of the FSC Indigenous Working Group and serves as the alternate representative for the Oceania region on FSC’s Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee. With over 15 years’ experience in consultancy and education, Tolita develops First Nations engagement frameworks, cultural workshops, and education resources. Her work advances Indigenous rights, embeds First Nations perspectives in forestry and education, and protects cultural values.
Event Details
- Date: Sunday, 26 October
- Time: 14:30 - 16:00 (EST - Panama) / 20:30 - 22:00 (CET) / 03:30 - 05:00 (WITA)