City Trees

that Indigenous Peoples can determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social, and cul- tural developments. UNDRIP also affirms Indigenous land and cultural rights and protects the right to own, develop, and control traditional territory and to main- tain the strength of cultural traditions. UNDRIP ensures that Indigenous Peoples have access and control over the environment located on their traditional territory. Indigenous Invisibility in Management Plans When we discuss Indigenous People in settler-co- lonial spaces, you may hear the term "Indigenous invisibility." This refers to the lack of recognition, representation, and acknowledgment of Indigenous People and their contributions, leading to their mar- ginalization and erasure from public and social spheres. This invisibility can make it difficult for Indigenous voices to be heard and acknowledged. In a review of Canadian and US urban forest manage- ment plans (UFMPs), Alexander Martin et al found that roughly a quarter of UFMPs included a reference to Indigenous People. However, many of these references were to the region's history, and only one of the 181 UFMPs—that of Langley, British Columbia—discussed ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities. This does not have to be the case, however. Indigenous engagement can comprise a significant component of a UFMP. A great example is Winnipeg, Manitoba's UFMP, written by Diamond Head Consulting (Vancouver, BC). Although Winnipeg's UFMP was published too recently to be included in the aforementioned study, we highlight six important aspects of the plan: 1. Terminology: Winnipeg refers to local Indigenous communities by their name (e.g., Anishinaabe, Ininew), instead of using blanket terms like "Indigenous Peoples." 2. Land Acknowledgement: The UFMP begins with a land acknowledgement, explaining that the city is located on Treaty 1 Territory and "the home and traditional lands of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Ininew (Cree), and Dakota peoples, and in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis." 3. Historical Context: The historical impacts of set- tler-colonialism on the environment and Indigenous society and culture are explained, laying the foundation for discussions of Indigenous engage- ment and reconciliation later in the UFMP. 4. Ecosystem Services: The importance of trees and non- timber forest products for Indigenous communities is highlighted in the UFMP, including both socio-cul- tural (e.g., cultural connection to the landscape) and ecological benefits (e.g., traditional medicines). 5. Indigenous Engagement: While the plan does not discuss current engagement, it does discuss long-term engagement. There was also a related action item of learning how to engage with Indigenous Peoples. 6. Reconciliation: A detailed reconciliation strategy is included in the plan, and reconciliation is identified as one of the ten principles of the UFMP. The plan iden- tifies broader city policies and actions, including the 2013 creation of the Indigenous Relations Division, and the adoption of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action. Tree Species Selection Cities like Vancouver, BC have outlined their intentions to select tree species that support Indigenous cultural practices and reconciliation. Putting these plans into practice involves identifying tree species of importance to local Indigenous groups, including species used for traditional medicines and cultural practices. While urban foresters should discuss species preferences with local Indigenous communities, we highlight three example species: western redcedar (Thuja plicata), juniper (Juniperus spp.), and paper birch (Betula papyrifera). Western redcedar is considered a cornerstone of Indigenous culture in the Pacific Northwest. A consid- erably decay-resistant species, western redcedar can survive and recover from the harvesting of materials that support Indigenous cultural practices. These materials include those used to weave baskets, hats, capes, aprons, blankets, and mats, as well as for cordage and tinder. Juniper plays a particularly important role for the Diné (Navajo). The branches and foliage are used for cere- monies, shade structures, and cooking. Species like J. monosperma and J. osteosperma are often retained or 16 CityTREES

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