Dr. Charlene Higgins is the Chief Executive Officer of the BC First Nations Forestry Council, and has worked with the Forestry Council since 2009. Charlene has over 25 years of experience working with BC Aboriginal communities and organizations on the recognition and incorporation of Aboriginal rights, principles and values in the management and use of forest lands and resources. Her work includes research, policy analysis, and advocacy for the use of Indigenous knowledge in the conservation of biological diversity, and involvement of Indigenous peoples in the governance and stewardship of forest lands and resources. She has participated as a technical expert in the development of forest certifications standards, and on national and international forums (United Nations) pertaining to the conservation and sustainable use of forest lands and resources. Charlene has a Masters and PhD in Ecology, and has written several articles and reports on the importance of including Indigenous knowledge, values and principles as integral components of sustainable forest management.