Western Forest Products Inc. Announces Sale of Ownership Interests in TFL 44 LP and Alberni Pacific Division Sawmill to Huu-ay-aht First Nations

In what is being described as a historic announcement Western Forest Products Inc. (“Western”) and Huumiis Ventures Limited Partnership (“Huumiis”), a limited partnership beneficially owned by Huu-ay-aht First Nations, (“Huu-ay-aht”), have reached an agreement whereby Huumiis will acquire a majority ownership interest in TFL 44 Limited Partnership and an ownership interest in a newly formed limited partnership that will own the Alberni Pacific Division Sawmill for total consideration of $36.2 million. Chief Councilor, Robert J. Dennis Sr. describes the agreement this way, “This agreement will enable Huu-ay-aht to have more jurisdiction over our ḥahuułi (traditional territory), strengthen the long-term sustainability of the forest sector in the Alberni Region, provide strong environmental stewardship that aligns with Huu-ay-aht’s forestry guiding principles, and create more opportunities for First Nations, including our citizens.”