The Province has issued a First Nations woodland licence to Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band, enhancing employment and economic opportunities in the region.

This 25-year First Nations woodland licence allows the Nee Tahi Buhn to harvest 6,200 cubic metres of timber per year from their traditional territory. The agreement covers 3,447 hectares of Crown land, south of Francois Lake, near Verdun Lookout.

This is the eighth 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 –

“First Nation woodland licences lead to increased local level control over fibre management and use. This licence will give the Nee Tahi Buhn a greater voice in local forest stewardship. I offer my congratulations to them on their First Nations woodland licence.”

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

“The Province continues to encourage economic growth in First Nation communities. This woodland licence boosts economic opportunities for the Nee Tahi Buhn and broadens employment possibilities for families in the community.”

Ray Morris, Chief, Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band –

“On behalf of the Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band, I thank the Province for awarding this woodland licence. This licence provides us with a stronger role in local forest stewardship and increased benefits for band members through additional revenue options and enhanced opportunities for employment.”

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, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and Lake Babine Nation.

Learn More:

Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band: http://www.wetsuweten.com/communities/nee-tahi-buhn

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