Cascade NTFP Regional Profile.pdf - First Nations in British ...

Cascades NTFP Profile
higher salaries and lower educational requirements. Therefore education may not have as
great an impact on income and health determinants as other regions. However regions
more dependent on primary industries are more vulnerable to economic downturns in the
economy.
The traditional economy of First Nations may be another factor attributing better health
within this region despite the low socio-economic status. Research into Canadian
Aboriginal economies demonstrates the substantial monetary value of traditional resource
acquisition (Berkes 1994). The most recent Public Health Officers Report (2006)
identifies the importance of traditional diets to health of Aboriginal people. Considering
the standard of living is 20 percent lower for Aboriginal people in British Columbia than
other British Columbians poverty and food security are continued concerns (B.C.
Provincial Health Officer 2006). These issues are paramount in considering the use and
management of NTFRs in the region.
Figure 4. Highest Level of Schooling in Population 15 years and older
Percent of population
15 years and older
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Grade 9 - 13 with
secondary school
graduation certificate
Highest Level of Schooling
Trades certificate or
diploma
University with
bachelor's degree or
higher
Females with Postsecondary
Males with Postsecondary
Cascades-Aboriginal BC-Aboriginal Cascades-Total Population BC- Total Population
(Statistics Canada 2001)
First Nations
There is a large and diverse First Nations population in the District, with the
Nlaka’pamux, Okanagan, Secwepemc, St’át’imc, and Ts’ilhqot’in all having a
considerable interest in the landbase (MOFR 2007c). These Nations have asserted rights
and title over the land, waterways, air and the natural resources within their traditional