‘Namgis First Nation and Western Forest Products Reach Significant Milestone in Forest Landscape Plan Pilot Project

Alert Bay, British Columbia – ‘Namgis First Nation (‘Namgis) and Western Forest Products Inc.  (“Western” or the “Company”) are excited to announce the submission of the draft Forest Landscape Plan (“FLP”) together with accompanying draft Forest Operations Plan (“FOP”) to British Columbia’s Chief Forester under a pilot project initiated in fall 2021. The submitted plans are available for public viewing on Western’s website here.

The draft plans cover approximately 142,000 hectares of the ‘Namgis territory, which represents approximately 89 per cent of the area of Tree Farm Licence 37 (“TFL 37”), an area-based tenure on Northern Vancouver Island held by Western. The draft plans were prepared under the Government of British Columbia’s Forest Landscape Planning Pilot program to support long-term forest health, climate adaptation, and a sustainable and secure forestry sector in the province.

The draft plans were developed concurrently with the Gwa’ni Project, a government-to-government process between ‘Namgis and the Province to update land use planning in the Nimpkish Valley. The plans were developed through a collaborative process that incorporated feedback from local communities, stakeholders, the Gwa’ni Project, and public input received during a 60-day review period in the spring of 2024. Once the FLP is established by legal order and the FOP is approved, the plans will replace the existing Forest Stewardship Plan in guiding forest management activities within the plan area. ‘Namgis and the Province are negotiating a shared decision-making framework, known as a Section 7 agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, that, once complete, will allow for the joint establishment of the FLP and approval of the FOP in the portion of ‘Namgis territory that overlaps with TFL 37. These negotiations, and associated consultations with impacted parties, may result in updates to the current draft FLP. While those negotiations continue, ‘Namgis and Western are actively implementing the draft plans where possible through their ongoing collaboration and decision making that manages for ecosystem health and biodiversity while supporting a sustainable forest sector on Northern Vancouver Island until the FLP is legally established.

“Our nation is excited about the new approach to forestry management in our territory that respects stewardship of the resources and supports sustainable forestry in our region,” says Chief Victor Isaac. “The collaborative planning work with Western Forest Products builds on the land use modernization project with BC that creates sustainable forest zones in the territory. This forest planning work is an example of collaboration with industry that respects our jurisdiction and ensures our nation has an ongoing role in forestry management.”

“The ‘Namgis First Nation and Western Forest Products have set a powerful example of what real leadership in forestry looks like,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Thanks to their work, we’re seeing bold, boots-on-the-ground action—moving fibre, creating jobs, and proving that when you put stewardship first, you can build a forest economy that works for people.”

“Western is proud to be a partner in BC’s first Forest Landscape Plan and Forest Operations Plan and in charting a path on how collaboration between business, First Nations and the Province can build a shared vision that supports prosperity for everyone,” said Steven Hofer, President and CEO of Western. “The plans were praised during the public comment period for bringing more certainty, transparency and stewardship to how the area is managed, all of which were central aims of our collaborative approach. We look forward to ‘Namgis and the Province swiftly concluding the Section 7 agreement and jointly establishing the plans.”

‘Namgis and Western wish to acknowledge the Ministry of Forests which has contributed to the development of the plans and, in conjunction with Western and ‘Namgis, have all worked together to provide the necessary financial and in-kind support for the project.

About ‘Namgis First Nation

‘Namgis people have occupied the lands and waters they currently live on since time immemorial. ‘Namgis Territory encompasses the entire Nimpkish and Kokish River Watersheds on northern Vancouver Island, along with the waters and several adjacent islands in the vicinity of Johnstone Strait and Queen Charlotte Straits. Historically, ‘Namgis resided throughout the territory, but currently are concentrated in ‘Yalis (Alert Bay, Cormorant Island). There are over 1800 ‘Namgis members currently living in over 100 communities in North America, as well as members in Europe, and the Middle East. ‘Namgis have never ceded their land to any other entity, government, or outside agent, and have owned and managed their land for thousands of years.

About Western Forest Products Inc.

Western is an integrated forest products company building a margin-focused log and lumber business to compete successfully in global softwood markets. With operations and employees located primarily on the coast of British Columbia and Washington State, Western is a premier supplier of high-value, specialty forest products to worldwide markets. Western has a lumber capacity of 780 million board feet from six sawmills, as well as operates four remanufacturing facilities and two glulam manufacturing facilities. The Company sources timber from long-term licenses, First Nations arrangements, and market purchases. Western supplements its production through a wholesale program providing customers with a comprehensive range of specialty products.

Media contacts

‘Namgis First Nation
Kelly Speck
Councillor
(250) 974-7179

Western Forest Products
Babita Khunkhun
Senior Director, Communications
(604) 648-4562