BC Gov News

A unique joint decision-making council created through the Kunst’aa guu - Kunst’aayah Reconciliation Protocol between the Haida Nation and B.C. marks a significant achievement today, with the announcement of the new Allowable Annual Cut (AAC) for Haida Gwaii.

The AAC is the maximum amount of timber that can be commercially harvested from a defined land base. This decision, made by the Haida Nation and the Province of B.C., is the first time in B.C.’s history that an AAC has been determined by anyone other than the Chief Forester of B.C.

The Haida Gwaii Management Council has determined an AAC of 929,000 cubic metres.

The AAC was determined by the council, after several months of work reviewing timber supply analyses and consulting with stakeholders and the public.

“In determining the harvest level, the Management Council took a very factual and defensible approach. We accept their decision with a mind to designing a sustainable future for Haida Gwaii,” said Guujaaw, President of the Haida Nation.

The council was formed as a result of the Kunst’aa guu - Kunst’aayah Reconciliation Protocol signed in December 2009. It is a unique decision-making body established under the provincial Haida Gwaii Reconciliation Act and the Haida Stewardship Law. Two representatives each from the Province and the Haida Nation, plus a jointly appointed chairperson, make up the council.

“By working together, the council has reached a decision that will provide certainty for forestry operations on the Islands and promotes local jobs and economic development,” said Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Mary Polak.

Contacts:

Maria Wilkie
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 361-7720

Simon Davies
Council of the Haida Nation
250 559-8755