The Province has issued a First Nations woodland licence to Lake Babine Nation, enhancing employment and economic opportunities in the region.

The area-based licence has an initial term of 25 years. It covers 36,500 hectares and has an allowable annual cut of about 74,000 cubic metres. It is unique among First Nations woodland licences in that it extends through two timber supply areas – the Morice and Lakes timber supply areas. This First Nations woodland licence also supports ongoing reconciliation discussions between the Province and Lake Babine Nation.

This is the seventh First Nations woodland licence issued since the Province began the program in 2011. These area-based, direct-award forest licences give First Nations a stronger role in forest and land stewardship and make it easier for First Nations forest companies to secure investment and loans. 

Quotes:

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations –

“This area-based licence increases Lake Babine Nation’s voice in local forest stewardship and provides greater opportunity for them to manage local resources according to traditional land use practices. Congratulations to Chief Wilf Adam and all of the nation’s members.”

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and MLA for Nechako Lakes –

“It's great to see the Lake Babine Nation strengthen its participation in the forest sector, taking on a more direct role in forest and land stewardship and making it easier for the nation to bring financial benefits to the community.”

Wilf Adam, Chief, Lake Babine Nation –

“I welcome the First Nations woodland licence on behalf of Lake Babine Nation. As stewards of the land, we welcome the benefits that the agreement will bring to the community and the increased opportunity to shape and manage the use of resources around us.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province currently has 216 forest consultation and revenue-sharing agreements and 300 tenure opportunities agreements offering forest tenures with First Nations throughout B.C.
• Since 2003, B.C. First Nations have received over 121 million cubic metres of timber and over $386 million in revenue sharing.
• First Nations woodland licences have been awarded to the Huu-ay-aht First Nation, Wei Wai Kum First Nation, Hupacasath First Nation, Tseshaht First Nation, Canim Lake Indian Band and Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.

Learn More:

Lake Babine Nation: http://www.lakebabine.com

First Nations forestry agreements: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/first-nations-negotiations

B.C.’s strategy for continued growth in the forest sector “Our Natural Advantage: Forest Sector Strategy for British Columbia”: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/forestsectorstrategy/Forest_Strategy_WEB.PDF

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca