Landmark Forestry Agreement will Support Increased First Nations Participation in a Stronger Vancouver Island Economy and Vision For the Future - Seite 2

“Negotiations by K’ómoks towards the acquisition of an economically viable forestry operation began in 2021,” says K’ómoks Chief Ken Price, who is a registered professional forester. “Historically, our people have always been involved in the forestry industry,” says Chief Price. "This forestry partnership agreement reflects not only a significant and meaningful incremental step forwards in our vision for economic wellbeing as a Nation, but our vision for a K’ómoks Treaty with the provincial and federal governments. K’ómoks would like to acknowledge Nanwakolas Council for its support of the Nations during the negotiations process, and our partners Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai, and Wei Wai Kum. As First Nations, we all look forward to taking our rightful place in forestry ownership and management in our territories." The partnership achieves one of the “Winning Conditions” of reaching a K’ómoks Treaty and K’ómoks has put significant resources into the work that has led up to this point. “We thank Western for their work to make the Partnership happen, and the support for our negotiations over the years from the Government of Canada and from the provincial government."

"For Tlowitsis First Nation, this Agreement represents a new way forward that is deeply meaningful,” says Tlowitsis Chief John Smith. “The opportunity to be on the ground working on our territories is huge - to provide jobs for our young people, revenue to support our Nation, and simply a better way of doing business together, is priceless."

“We Wai Kai is making significant investments in forestry, including the development and growth of our logging company, Way Key,” says We Wai Kai Chief Ronnie Chickite. “We appreciate the recognition by Western and British Columbia that we are an integral partner in the forest industry in our territory. This Agreement, and the Partnership it creates, is an important step forward for our Nation in participating meaningfully in the forest economy and taking back governance over our lands and resources.”

"When we speak of reconciliation, here is a living, practical example of reconciliation on the ground,” says Wei Wai Kum Chief Councillor Christopher Roberts. “We have raised concerns repeatedly over the generations about the immense value and wealth leaving our territory, with little to no benefit to our Nation. We have not been involved at the table in decision making. Finally, we took a stand four years ago that this must stop. We could not support the replacement of forest licences in our territory that don’t have commitments to address our concerns. But things are changing. This agreement is proof that it is possible to address multiple interests and generate positive outcomes for all people that call our territory home. Provincial support for this new partnership aligns with the Action Plan on the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. It aligns with our demonstrated ability to take back control of our territories and manage them successfully to ensure a better future for our people. I thank Western for sharing that vision of the future with us; and congratulate all of the partners and parties involved. It was hard work, but will have lasting positive impacts that will increase for generations to come."