By Canadian Press

Vancouver Island First Nations enter partnership with forest company

Oct 24, 2023 | 2:54 PM

VICTORIA — A limited partnership between four Vancouver Island First Nations and one of British Columbia’s major forest companies is being hailed as a path forward for the industry in the province.

The Campbell River area First Nations are acquiring a 34 per cent ownership stake in the new partnership with Western Forest Products Inc. for $35.9 million, with part of the funding coming from treaty agreements with the province.

Premier David Eby says it’s an example of First Nations, businesses and communities working together on reconciliation.

The partnership involving the K’omoks, Wei Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and Tlowitsis First Nations will operate on 157,000 hectares of forest near Campbell River and Sayward, and manage an allowable annual cut of more than 900,000 cubic metres of timber.

Chief Dallas Smith, president of the Nanwakolas Council that has the four First Nations as members, says the partnership is a step toward sustainable and effective forest management.

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Western Forest Products president Stephen Hofer says the partnership represents a new era for forestry in B.C., where everyone has the opportunity to participate and benefit.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2023.

The Canadian Press