The Forest is Our Relative:

Menominee Stewardship Shows the Power of Indigenous Voices in Forestry

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Voices of the Forest

Forests are more than ecosystems—they are memory, medicine, and home. As part of our Voices of the Land campaign, we spotlight the Menominee people’s centuries-old stewardship as a powerful testament to Indigenous leadership in shaping a just and living future. This story is not only about sustainable forestry—it’s about sovereignty, intergenerational knowledge, and the unbreakable bond between Indigenous People and Mother Earth.

*Photo: MSOE University/ Bryan Pechacek*

In April 2025, during Earth Week in Milwaukee, two Indigenous leaders from Canada—Tyler Bellis (Council of the Haida Nation) and David Flood (Ojibway, Treaty No. 9, and North America/Canada representative to the FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee)—stood alongside Satnam Manhas of the FSC Indigenous Foundation and the Menominee people to celebrate a shared vision of forest stewardship. The event honored the FSC Leadership Award given to Menominee Tribal Enterprises (MTE) and the Milwaukee School of Engineering for The Giving Forest Game, a digital learning tool rooted in Menominee forest values.

*Photos: MSOE University/ Bryan Pechacek*

*FSC Leadership Award. Photo: MSOE University/ Bryan Pechacek*

But the deeper story is what happens daily in the Menominee forest: a practice of land management grounded in story, ceremony, and sovereignty.

A Living Forest, A Living Culture

In Wisconsin, the Menominee manage 230,000 acres of ancestral forest. Their philosophy, rooted in Chief Oshkosh’s 1850s guidance—“What’s best for the forest, then the people, and lastly, profit”—continues to guide MTE. Only a small fraction of the forest’s potential yield is harvested, with decisions made through both GIS mapping and cultural knowledge.

*Photos: The tour by Satnam Manha from FSC-IF*

The visiting delegation toured MTE’s forest and operations, hosted by Marketing Specialist Nels B. Huse, and met with key leaders including CEO Jennifer Peters, Sawmill Manager John Awonohopay, and Forest Manager Ronald Waukau, Sr. As they travelled from Chicago to Menominee territory, the contrast was stark—the Menominee forest stood out as the first stretch of intact, biodiverse, and actively managed forest the delegation encountered.

*From left to right: Tyler Bellis (Council of the Haida Nation), CEO Jennifer Peters* (Menominee Tribal Enterprise’s President), Nels Huse (Marketing Specialist at Menominee Tribal Enterprise), and David Flood (FSC PIPC representative for Canada). Photo: MSOE University/ Bryan Pechacek

Nearly all MTE workers are Menominee. As Ronald Waukau Sr. noted, “We don’t use cookie-cutter prescriptions—we do what’s best for the resource.” MTE’s marketing Specialist Nels B. Huse added, “We can almost tell you the stump your product comes from. FSC helps us track that. Our customers care—and so does our community.”

Restoring Forests and Culture with Fire

One of the most powerful expressions of Menominee stewardship is the reintroduction of controlled burns—reviving a practice once banned through colonial policies. For generations, fire was used to sustain ecosystems, food sources, and ceremony. “When we had to stop burning, it was traumatic,” one tribal forester explained, recalling how colonial policies and fire suppression erased these practices. “Smokey Bear showed up and we lost the connection. But we’re bringing it back.”

*Photo: Smokey Bear by Satnam Manha from FSC-IF*

Menominee staff are combining science with tradition—analyzing historical survey notes and fire-scarred stumps to guide prescribed burns. These burns range from small 10-acre patches to areas over 200 acres, regenerating traditional foods and medicines. “We burned one area and tribal members came out to pick berries,” Ronald shared. “That’s the kind of outcome we want.”

Forest as Teacher, Forest as Healer

For the Menominee, fire is not just ecological—it’s cultural healing. It brings back blueberries, birch bark, and healing teas. One community member said, “I used to harvest for profit. Now I just do it for myself.” Younger generations are becoming more culturally awake, reconnecting with land-based knowledge. “The forest is not something we own. It’s something we belong to,” a staff member reflected.

Forestry as Sovereignty

MTE employs over 140 full-time staff—95% of them tribal members—and supports 8–9 contract logging crews. It’s a major economic driver, but also a symbol of sovereignty. “We’re managing for food, medicine, and the connection between people and place,” said one forester.

Yet, challenges remain. Regulatory constraints make it difficult for families to engage in cultural burning. “Burning today is like a military operation,” someone noted. Still, the Menominee continue, finding ways to balance compliance and cultural rights.

As mill manager John Awonohopay put it: “The forest isn’t just an economic asset—it’s a living classroom and medicine cabinet. Visitors come in and say, ‘I can see 20 medicines just looking out the window.’”

*Photo: Hilary J. Waukau Sr., Forestry and Environmental Resources Center by Satnam Manha from FSC-IF*

Reflections Across Territories

For David Flood, the visit was personal. A Treaty Indian who lived disconnected from his homelands for 30 years, he said, “My hope is to live the next 30 years in service to my homelands until I too become an ancestor.”

Tyler Bellis, visiting just weeks after the Haida Nation signed a landmark agreement affirming Haida Title, saw in Menominee forestry a living model of what it means to steward land through Indigenous law and values. “It offered a vision into action—and the need to always return to the people,” he reflected.

Satnam Manhas summarized it best: “Unlike extractive economic systems that lead to scarcity, this is a regenerative model rooted in action—where abundance supports land, species, and people.”

From left to right: Satnam Manhas, David Flood, and Tyler Bellis

The Menominee story is a powerful reflection of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in action—knowledge that is rooted in land, passed down through generations, and lived through practice. From controlled burns to food sovereignty, from cultural mapping to community-centered forestry, these systems offer holistic approaches that integrate ecology, economy, and spirituality. In a world facing climate collapse and biodiversity loss, Indigenous Knowledge Systems are not alternatives—they are essential.

The FSC Indigenous Foundation Will Be Present at the Global Events Meeting Point in Panama 2025

Climate Week and Nature Summit in Panama

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The future of development lies in the integration of ancestral knowledge, technology, and circular economy to build resilience and adapt to climate change. From May 19 to 23, 2025, Panama will host Climate Week 2025 and the Nature Summit, positioning itself as a global hub for climate action. Though distinct in approach, both events share a vision of inclusive, transformative solutions. The FSC Indigenous Foundation’s participation—through leaders like Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim and Minnie Degawan—underscores the vital role of Indigenous voices in global climate decision-making.

Climate Week: Turning Commitments into Action

Organized by the UNFCCC, Climate Week is a global platform that brings together governments, organizations, and civil society—highlighting Indigenous Peoples’ contributions to climate solutions. In 2025, two editions will take place: the first in Panama (May 19–23) and the second in Africa, both paving the way for COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

After a pause, Climate Week returns to turn Paris Agreement commitments into action. Key themes include NDC implementation, climate financing, technology, carbon markets, and the vital role of Indigenous communities in climate governance.

Nature Summit: Driving Investment

In parallel with Climate Week, the Nature Summit will take place at Panama’s Biomuseo, uniting government leaders, investors, and experts to drive nature-based solutions. The summit seeks to align public and private investments with UN goals on climate, biodiversity, and desertification—promoting a regenerative economy grounded in ecosystem conservation and Indigenous leadership.

The FSC Indigenous Foundation will play a key role, amplifying Indigenous-led solutions and advocating for funding that reflects community priorities. As Indigenous leader Minnie Degawan affirms, “Funds must align with Indigenous priorities.” Like Climate Week, the Nature Summit offers a high-level platform to mobilize capital, partnerships, and political will through innovation, science, and ancestral knowledge.

The Role of Indigenous Peoples

Both events recognize Indigenous Peoples as essential actors in the climate struggle. Indigenous communities manage a quarter of the world’s lands, which host 80% of global biodiversity. This reality demonstrates that Indigenous Peoples are already leading solutions based on their worldviews, and that their ancestral knowledge is vital to addressing climate and conservation challenges.

In this context—where conventional solutions have proven insufficient—the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF), led by Managing Director Minnie Degawan, together with other Indigenous representatives will highlight the contributions of Indigenous Peoples in resolving the global issues.

The Foundation’s role is to showcase Indigenous forest management, ancestral governance, and intergenerational knowledge offer viable and holistic responses to climate change and biodiversity conservation. The FSC-IF aims to support efforts by Indigenous Peoples for these messages to be heard by policy makers and other actors.

It also works to ensure that global climate policies recognize and respect the territorial and cultural rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Two Paths Toward the Same Goal

Although Climate Week and the Nature Summit share a common goal, their approaches differ. Climate Week emphasizes fulfilling and following up on multilateral commitments, strengthening national and local capacities, and fostering dialogue among diverse actors through workshops, forums, and participatory spaces. In contrast, the Nature Summit positions itself as a high-level platform focused on mobilizing resources and investments, connecting governments, funders, and public sector leaders with conservation and sustainable development initiatives. While one prioritizes action through policy and planning, the other drives implementation through strategic financing and innovative partnerships. Both contribute to the same goal: a just, effective, and inclusive ecological transition.

Following the Voices That Care for Mother Earth

The FSC Indigenous Foundation’s participation in these forums is another step in the fight for climate action that recognizes the ancestral knowledge and rights of Indigenous Peoples. From their active role in defending territories to their presence in international forums, these voices are key to imagining a sustainable, just, and diverse future.

Over the years, the Foundation has worked globally alongside Indigenous organizations to strengthen their capacities, implement dialogue processes, and ensure that their priorities are at the center of decision-making. This includes training in economic development, sustainable forest management, and the design and implementation of project approval mechanisms led by Indigenous Peoples themselves.

We invite all governmental, financial, and social actors to closely follow the Foundation’s work and commit to a future where investments align with Indigenous voices and priorities. It is time for global financing to take root in these realities.

Voices of the Land: Amplifying Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Action

In honor of Mother Earth Day, we invite you to listen to the voices that have long spoken for her.

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Forests are more than trees—they are living ecosystems of culture, sustenance, and ancestral wisdom. For Indigenous Peoples, forests provide not only food and medicine, but also identity and a profound spiritual connection to Mother Earth.

And yet, with accelerating deforestation, what is at stake is not only biodiversity—but generations of Indigenous knowledge and responsible forest management practices that have quietly sustained the planet.

🌱 This Mother Earth Day, we are proud to mark the soft launch of Voices of the Land, a global campaign by the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF)—in collaboration with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)—that uplifts Indigenous Knowledge Systems as vital, time-tested solutions for climate resilience and responsible forest stewardship.

🎥 Voices of the Land | Soft Launch Video

Filmed in Aotearoa (New Zealand) during the Oceania Regional Meeting of the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC), this video captures voices from the land—Indigenous leaders and youth expressing what forest stewardship and honoring Mother Earth means to them.

More than a vision statement, the video is a call to action. It provokes emotion, invites global collaboration, and urges decision-makers, organizations, and allies to recognize Indigenous leadership in climate solutions.

🌍 Why Voices of the Land?

This Mother Earth Day, we remember:

Indigenous Peoples protect 80% of the Earth’s biodiversity—yet their knowledge, languages, and cultural practices remain under threat.
25% of the world’s land is managed by Indigenous communities who have maintained these landscapes through generations of stewardship.

This campaign is a response to an ecological emergency—and a cultural one.

Voices of the Land seeks to bridge Indigenous knowledge with global sustainability efforts, advocate for Indigenous rights, and spark real action through policy, funding, and partnerships.

🌐 This Mother Earth Day, how will you stand with her?
Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, environmental advocate, or ally, there are many ways to be part of this movement:

🤝 Advocate: Use your platform to elevate Indigenous voices in climate conversations.
🌾 Contribute: Support Indigenous-led initiatives through funding, technology, or resources.
📢 Share: Amplify the campaign in your networks and help build a global chorus for change.

📩 Interested in collaborating? Reach out to us at fsc.if@fsc.org
Together, let’s create space for Indigenous guardians of the forest to lead the way.

🌎 This Mother Earth Day, let’s not just celebrate the Earth—we must protect those who have protected her for generations.

FSC Indigenous Foundation welcomes Minnie Degawan as Managing Director

We are proud to announce the appointment of Minnie Degawan as its new Managing Director

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The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC IF) is proud to announce the appointment of Minnie Degawan as its new Managing Director, effective March 1, 2025.

With over thirty years of experience advocating for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and integrating their knowledge into global conservation efforts, Minnie’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for the Foundation. Throughout her career, she has worked to ensure that Indigenous Peoples’ rights are upheld across diverse spaces, including in collaboration with the business sector—particularly within the forestry industry. This new role presents an opportunity to realize a long-held vision of bridging the business and Indigenous communities, fostering meaningful partnerships that drive both responsible forest stewardship and and respect for Indigenous rights.

Minnie, a member of the Kankanaey-Igorot people of the Cordillera region of the Philippines, brings a distinguished career to this position. She has most recently worked as a social safeguard’s consultant for The Nature Conservancy and previously as director of Conservation International’s Indigenous Peoples Program, where she co-led the GEF-funded Inclusive Conservation Initiative and secured funding. Her roles have included developing reallocation mechanisms for forest carbon finance, leading Indigenous negotiations programs, and fostering partnerships between Indigenous Peoples and global stakeholders.

Minnie’s strategic vision has driven transformational change throughout her career. As Managing Director, her goal is to position the FSC Indigenous Foundation as a globally recognized and influential organization that not only promotes the recognition and practice of Indigenous Peoples’ rights but also ensures their full integration into FSC’s global framework. Through her leadership, FSC-IF is strengthening its role as a bridge between Indigenous communities and sustainable forest management, advocating for policies, and economic opportunities that empower Indigenous Peoples as key actors in global conservation efforts.

“My vision for the Foundation is for it to be recognized globally as a credible Indigenous Peoples’ organization that can partner with diverse stakeholders to promote the recognition and actual practice of Indigenous Peoples’ rights,” Minnie said. “Through collaboration, inclusion and empowerment, we can ensure that indigenous voices are not only heard but are at the forefront of sustainability efforts.”

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President of the FSC Indigenous Foundation, praised Minnie’s extensive experience and dedication:

“Minnie’s leadership is a beacon of hope for indigenous peoples around the world. Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing indigenous communities, combined with her track record of advocacy and partnership building, will take the FSC Indigenous Foundation to new heights. ”

The Permanent Indigenous Peoples’ Permanent Committee (PIPC), as an advisor to the FSC Board of Directors and a representative of the Indigenous voices and Peoples certified by the FSC, expresses, through its chair, Alina Santiago, its willingness to continue collaborating with the new director to strengthen the FSC Indigenous Foundation.

“The goal is to establish the Foundation as an organization that equips Indigenous Peoples with the necessary tools to promote and enhance both their organizations and the sustainable use of their forest resources.“

Subhra Bhattacharjee, Director General of the Forest Stewardship Council International and Founder of the FSC Indigenous Foundation, highlighted the importance of Minnie’s appointment:

“The FSC Indigenous Foundation was founded to create a platform for Indigenous Peoples to lead global dialogues on sustainability and responsible forest stewardship. Minnie’s appointment represents a strong step forward in fulfilling this mission.”

The FSC Indigenous Foundation also expresses its deep gratitude to Sarah Banda-Genchev, who has worked with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for over a decade and has served as Management Consultant and Acting Interim Managing Director of the FSC-IF since February 2024.

Under Minnie Degawan’s leadership, the FSC Indigenous Foundation is strengthening its impact by fostering global partnerships and advancing the rights and values of Indigenous Peoples. A key pillar of this work is supporting Indigenous-led solutions, ensuring that Indigenous communities can benefit from sustainable forestry while preserving their traditional knowledge and land stewardship practices. Minnie’s vision of global collaboration and recognition will drive meaningful and sustainable change, positioning Indigenous Peoples as leaders in responsible forest management and ensuring their full participation in the global FSC framework.

About the FSC Indigenous Foundation

The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) is a global organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights, values, and leadership within the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) framework. Committed to promoting sustainable forest management, the Foundation works to increase Indigenous participation in FSC certification, governance, and decision-making. By fostering partnerships, advocating for Indigenous-led solutions, and integrating traditional knowledge into forest stewardship, FSC-IF strives to create a future where forests are sustainably managed with Indigenous Peoples as key actors in conservation, climate resilience, and equitable economic opportunities.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Maria De Leon
Communications Specialist
m.deleon@fsc.org

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