The partnership has been given the name La-kwa sa muqw Forestry (pronounced la-KWAH-sa-mook), which means ‘the wood of four’ in the Kwak’wala language. The partnership logo, designed by local artist Diego Matilpi, was also unveiled at the event hosted in the Wei Wai Kum First Nation’s Kwanwatsi Big House.
Western Forest Produ […]
The Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks First Nations (the “Nations,” all member First Nations of the Nanwakolas Council), and Western Forest Products Inc. (TSX: WEF) (“Western”) have reached an agreement for the Nations to acquire a 34% interest from Western in a newly formed Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”) for $35.9 million (the “Agreement”). The Province of British Columbia helped to facilitate the Partnership through Incremental Treaty Agreements with the Nations, all of whom are in Stage 5 of the British Columbia Treaty Process.
The new facilities will expand Western’s annual growth capacity by 750,000 seedlings, or an additional 20 per cent. The increased capacity will create more and lengthier seasonal employment opportunities at the Saanich Centre. And, in addition to being utilized for the reforestation cycles on Western’s tenures, the extra seedlings will support opportunities for special projects.
Quatsino First Nation (Quatsino or the Nation) and Western Forest Products Inc. (Western) have entered into an agreement that provides for a joint vision and approach to share opportunities related to forest resources in unceded Quatsino traditional territory. This agreement allows for a “bridging period” of increased stability for forestry workers and North Island communities as Quatsino, Western and the Province continue to pursue longer term reconciliation arrangements that respect and recognize Quatsino’s rights within its territory, and provide for North Island economic stability.
Nuchatlaht Chief Jordan Michael acknowledged that, during the five years of proceedings leading up to the trial, Western never disputed Nuchatlaht’s claim of Aboriginal title to their lands on Nootka Island, and expressed appreciation for the fact that Western will not seek court costs for its participation in the case to date.
A planning and reconciliation agreement between four member Nations of the Nanwakolas Council and Western Forest Products includes an agreement to defer harvest of approximately 2,500 hectares of ancient, rare and other priority old growth for two years in support of Province’s Old Growth Strategy.
The contract supports the ongoing relationship between the two parties and builds on the Renewal Agreement Western and the Tla’amin Nation signed last July by demonstrating progress in advancing innovative and mutually beneficial activities in the Tla’amin Territory.
Under this comprehensive agreement, the parties will work towards co-developing an Integrated Resource Management Plan (IMRP) and mutually beneficial business solutions in support of economic reconciliation.
Through this project, ‘Namgis and Western will jointly develop an innovative and progressive plan to sustainably manage Tree Farm Licence 37 (TFL 37) and inform cooperative decision making between them. The pilot will also provide recommendations for joint decision-making between ‘Namgis and the Province.