Western Forest Products Inc. Announces Sale of Ownership Interests in TFL 44 LP and Alberni Pacific Division Sawmill to Huu-ay-aht First Nations - Seite 3

Huu-ay-aht and Western have a successful track record of finding common ground to achieve reconciliation and forestry revitalization. This announcement continues the positive relationship that has grown, especially over the last three years. Certain milestones of the successful working relationship include:

Sale of Sarita Bay Log Sort
On May 17, 2017, the parties announced the sale and purchase of three properties, including Western’s dry land sort in Sarita, British Columbia for a purchase price of $3 million. The transaction also involved a long-term lease back of the dry land sort to Western, an agreement to harvest 200,000 cubic metres of timber from Huu-ay-aht lands, and an employment and training agreement. For Huu-ay-aht, the Sarita River is the “Heart of the People” and the properties involved in the agreement with Western completed the reunification of Huu-ay-aht-owned lands at Sarita Bay.

Signing of the Reconciliation Protocol Agreement
On March 20, 2018, the Huu-ay-aht and Western announced the signing of a Reconciliation Protocol Agreement which affirmed the parties’ commitment to seek mutually-beneficial solutions to achieve their respective interests. The agreement marked an important milestone along the shared path to reconciliation and a joint vision for a safe, competitive and forward-looking forest sector. The agreement guided how Huu-ay-aht and Western would work collaboratively and explore opportunities to improve economic vibrancy while respecting the three sacred principles of the Huu-ay-aht people: hišuk ma c̓awak (everything is one); ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of); and ʔiisaak (utmost respect).

Further Work Together
On August 22, 2018, Western and the Huu-ay-aht jointly announced they were working together to explore potential alternative ownership structures in Huu-ay-aht’s traditional territories. These discussions were pursuant to and consistent with the Reconciliation Protocol Agreement and reaffirmed the parties’ desire to work together to bring benefits to the community, the entire Alberni Region and the forestry sector. The announcement also referenced a framework for reconciliation that includes exploring increased participation of area First Nations through tenure ownership, employment and business opportunities, sustained domestic manufacturing, increased training and jobs, effective marketing and value-added product innovation, and strong environmental stewardship.