Geographic Information Systems for Indigenous forests and communities

Learn about América Anayelli Olguín’s journey bridging technology and ancestral knowledge

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América Anayelli Olguín, a young Indigenous woman from Zacatlán, Mexico, is pursuing a postgraduate degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at UNIGIS Latin America. Her studies are supported by the FSC Indigenous Foundation’s Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD) Program.

The degree focuses on tools for capturing and analyzing geospatial data to support territorial development, agriculture, and environmental conservation in Indigenous territories. As part of the MOCAF Network and the Regional Collective in Defense of Forests and Territory, this knowledge empowers América to strengthen sustainable forest use and community organization initiatives within her community.

“By using these applications, I am able to involve more young people in my community in the development and care of our forests and biodiversity,” she says.

Carrying out the legacy of her ancestors, she is developing land management plans and participatory assessments for forest communities in her region. Watch the video below for the impact these studies will have on her community and territory.

Read an interview with America here.

Join us in supporting the vital work of Indigenous leaders like América. Indigenous leaders have the solutions to protect their territories on which we all depend. By investing in capacity enhancement initiatives, we can promote and scale up these solutions. If you would like to get involved, reach out to us at fsc.if@fsc.org

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The Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD) Program works to enable Indigenous Peoples globally to strengthen their capacities, so they can manage and develop their communities based on their priorities, traditional knowledge, natural resource management, and respect for their rights. It is supported by USAID, the Forest Stewardship Council, and private sector partners.

FSC Canada and the FSC Indigenous Foundation welcome Satnam Manhas as Senior Manager, Indigenous Capacity Support Canada

Satnam’s wealth of experience and dedication to Indigenous empowerment will play a pivotal role in advancing our shared mission of responsible forest management and sustainable practices in Canada.

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FSC Canada and the FSC Indigenous Foundation are pleased to welcome Satnam Manhas as our new Senior Manager, Indigenous Capacity Support Canada.

Raised in the Tsimshian territories along the lower Skeena River in British Columbia, Satnam brings over 30 years of experience as a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) in B.C., with a strong focus on culturally appropriate economic development and stewardship for Indigenous communities nationwide.

Having departed Ecotrust Canada in 2019, where he served as the Director of Forest & Ecosystem Services, Satnam oversaw the organization’s FSC initiatives in western Canada and spearheaded a groundbreaking carbon project in partnership with the Lil’wat, Squamish Nations, and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. With a degree in Natural Resource Management and minor in Environmental Planning, coupled with a Forest Technologist Diploma, Satnam’s expertise will be pivotal in implementing FSC Canada’s Indigenous Strategy.

In this new role, Satnam will play a crucial part in demonstrating the invaluable benefits of FSC certification to Indigenous Peoples and provide essential support to key First Nation certificate holders and other organizations interested in pursuing FSC certification in Western Canada. He will also work with FSC Canada’s Indigenous Chamber to strengthen Indigenous-led efforts within FSC.

Satnam has assumed this role on an interim basis as the Indigenous Foundation conducts a search for a long-term candidate. In the meantime, Satnam’s wealth of experience and dedication to Indigenous empowerment will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in advancing our shared mission of responsible forest management and sustainable practices in Canada. Satnam can be reached at s.manhas@fsc.org