BC and ‘Namgis First Nation Negotiating New Sustainable Forestry Agreement

On Monday, British Columbia’s Minister of Forests, Bruce Ralston, announced that formal engagement and negotiations are underway between ‘Namgis First Nation and the province on a joint decision-making agreement to support forest stewardship and sustainable forestry operations.

In a prepared statement, Ralston said, “Alongside ‘Namgis First Nation, we are working with local communities and forestry operators to make sure local forests are managed sustainably, while increasing certainty in forestry operations that will help to maintain family-supporting jobs for the entire region. By moving toward joint decision-making with ‘Namgis and working together with local partners, we can advance reconciliation, take care of the forests that sustain local communities, and support good forestry jobs for the long term.”

Through the Tree Farm License (TFL) 37 Forest Landscape Planning pilot project, ‘Namgis First Nation, the province, and Western Forest Products Inc. are working together toward sustainable forest management that will support forest health, benefit local jobs, and advance reconciliation.

Collaboration between the partners shows clear alignment on the desired outcomes for a balanced approach that supports sustainable forestry operations and the environment in the area, according to the announcement. In these circumstances, a Section 7 agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is the best tool to create a joint decision-making partnership in the portion of ‘Namgis territory that overlaps Tree Farm License 37, currently held by Western Forest Products.

Negotiations for a Section 7 agreement between ‘Namgis and the Province will involve engagement with neighboring First Nations, local government, and stakeholders. Top of mind for both parties during negotiations is the sustainable management of forest resources in ‘Namgis territory. Engagement on the draft forest landscape plan (FLP) has been taking place with community members through ongoing public engagement and an information session in Port McNeill on March 13th.