As of this week, the ‘Namgis First Nation and the provincial government are working on a new forestry agreement.
The work will see the First Nation, province, and Western Forest Products collaborating on this agreement, aiming to bring sustainable forest management, support forest health, and advance reconciliation. This will be done through the Tree Farm Licence 37 Forest Landscape Planning pilot project.
‘Namgis Chief Councilor Victor Isaac says the nation has relied on the natural bounty of their territory to sustain their communities.
“A Section 7 agreement will establish joint decision-making and enable our Nation to fulfil its stewardship responsibilities for resources in our territory,” said Isaac.
“By managing lands in partnership with the Province and Western Forest Products Inc., the intent is to take care of the unique ecosystems within the Nimpkish Valley for the long term, while advancing reconciliation and bringing more jobs and prosperity to the north Island.”
The province says negotiations with the nation will involve engaging with other first nations, local governments, and stakeholders. They also have been performing engagement of the draft forest landscape plan, which saw an information session in Port McNeill on March 13.
For more information on Section 7, click here.
