Workshop: Advancing Reconciliation in urban forestry

When municipal urban forestry projects lack meaningful engagement, dialogue and co-learning with Indigenous communities, Reconciliation commitments remain abstract. Projects that do not include meaningful Indigenous engagement miss the opportunity to incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems, build long-term trust and address broader social and environmental injustices that exist within the urban forestry landscape.

Join us at Advancing Reconciliation in urban forestry, a 1.5-day in-person workshop in Nogojiwanong (Peterborough region), from May 12-13. This workshop will provide opportunities for municipalities across Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador to gain knowledge needed to turn high-level Reconciliation commitments into tangible actions.    

By attending this workshop, you will:

• Learn about Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and its applications in urban forestry.
• Discover culturally significant tree species and Indigenous stewardship practices.
• Explore collaborative models for planning and decision-making.
• Learn about reciprocity and informed consent in community engagement.
• Identify and be able to explain key Indigenous knowledge systems and worldviews relevant to urban forestry.
• Gain knowledge on ecological restoration that aligns with Indigenous land-care priorities.

Who should attend?

Municipal staff in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, responsible for:  

• Urban forestry programs (planning, maintenance, and policy development)
• Green infrastructure projects (parks, tree canopy expansion, ecological restoration)
• Environmental planning and sustainability initiatives

Register by April 9, 2026.

Workshop details:

Location: Canadian Canoe Museum, 2077 Ashburnham Dr, Peterborough, ON K9L 1P8

Date and time: May 12 and 13, 2026, (1.5-day workshop)  

Language: English

Cost: This event is free. GMF will cover hotel accommodation costs and meals will be provided during the workshop.

Travel: Participants who have received project funding through GMF’s Growing Canada's Community Canopies initiative may be eligible to receive reimbursement for travel costs. Please contact your Project Officer for more information.

Selection criteria: A total of 32 participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one participant per organization. Once you have registered you will receive an email confirming your registration along with key information.  

If you have any questions, please reach out to Stephane Pressault.  

This workshop was created in collaboration with 4 Directions and Tree Canada through the Growing Canada's Community Canopies (GCCC) initiative. GCCC learning opportunities are delivered in partnership through FCM's Green Municipal Fund by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, funded by the Government of Canada.