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For many First Nations communities, the need for economic development is a major concern. Although not the entire 'solution' to the economic problems besetting many communities, the development and production of NTFPs can contribute through providing income-generating opportunities for community members. Some communities and individuals have recognized the economic potential of NTFPs and are marketing products based on both traditional and non-traditional medicinal plant products (10). The establishment of non-timber forest products businesses marketing traditional medicinal plants has raised concerns in some communities (11).
Other communities are more unified in their approach to medicinal plant development and marketing. While some First Nations have made a decision against commercialization, foregoing any potential economic benefits, others have accepted the commercial development of plant medicines under certain conditions (12).
For some Aboriginal people, it is not money from the sale of traditional medicinal herbs that is important, but the healing power of the herbs. In this case, helping others may be considered a greater reward than any potential monetary gain (13).
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