Abstract
Conservation of Canadas fishery and wildlife resources is a major management problem and issue of the 1980's. Canada's native people, who continue to depend on these resources for income and income-in-kind' are seeking guarantees of access to resources and participation in management. In recent years, conflicts between game managers, non-native hunting and fishing associations and native people have emerged over resource rights and resource conservation. This report describes new arrangements being developed in Canada which incorporate native users of fish and wildlife and their political representatives into the management process. Issues and problems particular to each setting, or the rationale for new arrangements are presented. Formal and legislated Agreements are the tools utilized to create native-government co-management Systems. Innovative management processes and structures are being developed. Seven Agreements and two proposed arrangements are presented in terms of native harvest rights; management structures including composition, functions, responsibilities and powers; and management processes. Where Agreements have been implemented, activities undertaken and/or problems in implementation are discussed. The final chapter focusses on issues related to native people and resource management, and problems, benefits and management implications associated with co-management arrangements. Through time, these arrangements will require evaluation and modification to improve native-government relationships and the management process.