Research managers of the Foothills Model Forest are positive about progress being made by the Aboriginal Initiative Program. While the program has had some challenges during the first two years of operation, researchers are confident about the strong contribution that traditional knowledge can make to sustainable forest management. Of 17 Aboriginal communities who have traditionally used the Foothills Model Forest area, two have embarked on Traditional Culture Studies, a comprehensive collection of traditional knowledge that embodies the Aboriginal way of life and how it is connected with the land. The result will be the creation of a database housing location data on spiritual areas, gravesites, berryand food-gathering areas, and trapline locations.

Aboriginal Initiative Program, Model Forest, sustainable forest