How can we tap natural capital—timber, wildlife, fresh water, plants, minerals—to produce economic wealth in a socially and environmentally responsible manner if we have little understanding of our surrounding landscape?

A rainforest, for instance, is more than a stand of trees. It is a medicine cabinet for First Nations, a home to myriad animals and habitat for spawning salmon. The value of a rainforest goes well beyond the market price of wood fibre. But how do we measure these other values? One way is mapping.

In 1995, Ecotrust Canada began its work on the coast by collecting and then mapping scientific data and the traditional knowledge of First Nations and coastal communities using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Since then, Ecotrust Canada has held GIS training sessions or helped set up mapping programs in more than two dozen First Nations and communities. We also operate the Aboriginal Mapping Network, a free, online resource and forum connecting native mappers around the globe.

Ecotrust Canada’s mapping and GIS program is founded on six operating principles: open access to public information, respect for local and traditional knowledge, a commitment to best practices, helping to realize local community visions, building long-term local capacity and a commitment to network communities and individuals. Taken together, these principles promote what we call “information democracy” and the empowerment of communities.