Wuikinuxv First Nation Acquires Forest License from Interfor Corporation

The Wuikinuxv First Nation (Wuikinuxv) and Interfor Corporation (Interfor) have announced a historic agreement to acquire a forest license in the Great Bear Rainforest Timber Supply Area from Interfor. The tenure purchase marks a milestone in the relationship between Wuikinuxv and Interfor.

The acquisition, more than six years in the making, triples the forest tenure held by the Wuikinuxv. Substantive benefits from forestry development will now flow to the nation. In addition, the nation has assumed controlling interest in managing forestry operations throughout the Territory.

This tenure transfer was approved by the Province of British Columbia under the Bill 22 Forest Amendment Act and builds on a long-term partnership between Wuikinuxv and Interfor.

In a statement prepared for the media, Wuikinuxv Chief Councilor Danielle Shaw said that the nation “strives to balance conservation with economic opportunities within our territory. With the purchase of this forest license, we are able to ensure harvest consistent with ecosystem-based management and responsible stewardship.”

Wuikinuxv and Interfor will continue to leverage the benefits of pooling resources and working together on forestry projects in Wuikinuxv Territory. At the same time, Wuikinuxv plan to continue on the path to re-establishing economic independence and jurisdiction over its lands and resources.