The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (ABPA) is calling for more Indigenous participation in the forest sector and equal footing for the industry. At the National Summit on the Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy in Thunder Bay, Jason Rasevych, Director of Waawoono Consultancy and ABPA representative, addressed the critical need for innovation and investment to position Ontario as a leader in the forest bioeconomy. “We need to create a more inclusive and equitable forest sector that recognizes and respects Indigenous rights and knowledge,” said Rasevych. “This includes increasing Indigenous participation in forest management and decision-making for wood supply directives and providing greater access to capital and resources for Indigenous-owned businesses.” The ABPA also called on the Federal Government to increase its funding from $50 million annually to $500 million as a start to scale the opportunities across Canada and re-introduce the strategic partnership initiative funding for this sector.