#Brussels #Belgium #EUDR #Intertribal Timber Council #Indigenous Governance

Meeting of Cultures: Indigenous Forest Managers in Brussels

Leaders from the Intertribal Timber Council (ITC), a significant body representing Native American tribes concerned with sustainable forestry, have traveled to Brussels for crucial discussions with officials of the European Union. Their agenda centers on the implications of the newly adopted EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) on Indigenous forest management practices in the United States. The delegation, led by President Cody Desautel of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Vice President Phil Rigdon of the Yakama Nation, aims to shed light on how these regulations impact Indigenous rights and governance concerning vast forest lands.

The EUDR, which was implemented as part of the EU Green Deal in 2023, mandates comprehensive traceability and geolocation data for certain forest and agricultural products. Although the regulation’s enforcement has been postponed until December 2026, its requirements have started permeating global supply chains, imposing compliance challenges on forest stakeholders, including those who do not export to the EU directly. Tribal leaders are concerned that the EUDR does not differentiate between forests at high risk of deforestation and those managed sustainably under Indigenous and U.S. federal laws. This lack of differentiation can unintentionally penalize groups that responsibly manage their lands.

During their meetings, the ITC leaders emphasized the long-standing relationship between Indigenous peoples and their forested lands. "We have been stewards of these lands for generations," Desautel stated, underlining the importance of recognizing Tribal sovereignty and sustainable practices that have been honed over centuries. The delegation's mission extends beyond voicing concerns—it is also about finding collaborative solutions. They seek formal nation-to-nation consultations with the EU to develop frameworks that respect Indigenous rights while addressing global environmental goals, thereby fostering a more informed approach to the EUDR's implementation.

The pivotal discussions come in light of an op-ed by Carla Keene, Chairwoman of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, published in the Wall Street Journal, which highlighted potential restrictions the EUDR could impose on Tribal access to international markets. Keene outlined how the regulation, if executed without consideration for Indigenous governance models, could hinder the ability of Tribes to engage in profitable trade, despite their proven records of sustainable forestry.

With the EU having recently postponed the EUDR's enforcement and tasked the European Commission with conducting a formal review by April 30, 2026, the timing of these discussions is critical. The ITC representatives are set to engage with members of the European Parliament and officials from various member states, including Spain, Finland, Bulgaria, and France, from January 27 to January 29. By articulating their perspectives and advocating for a tailored approach to the EUDR, the ITC aims to ensure that Indigenous voices are at the forefront of environmental policy discussions.

The overarching goal for the individuals leading this initiative is to create bridges of understanding and cooperation, where compliance with environmental standards coexists with the respect for Indigenous sovereignty. Desautel expressed, "By working together on these issues, we hope to establish sustainable practices that honor our traditions as well as meet the EU’s environmental aspirations."

In conclusion, while the discussions in Brussels highlight the complexities of integrating Indigenous forest management into global environmental strategy, they also signify a growing acknowledgment of Indigenous contributions to sustainable land stewardship. The outcome of these deliberations could resonate beyond borders, paving the way for a cooperative model that protects both the environment and Indigenous rights—an essential step towards a truly inclusive approach to global forestry management.