In what’s been described a milestone for indigenous led resource stewardship, British Columbia has just approved a 2000% expansion of Lake Babine Nation’s forest tenure; expanding it to cover about 40% of their traditional territory, centered on the northern end of Lake Babine. Previously, the Nation held just 1% of forest tenure on their traditional territory.
Lake Babine Nation Chief Wilf Adam welcomed the expansion, the culmination of five years of discussions building on the Nation’s Foundation Agreement which was finalized in 2020.
“As stewards of our lands since time immemorial, Lake Babine Nation has always recognized the deep responsibility we hold in ensuring our forests are managed with respect and sustainability. For Lake Babine Nation, forestry is not just an industry; it is woven into our identity, our traditions, and our vision for the future. We take another important step forward by formalizing out partnership with West Fraser – a collaboration that will bring broader economic opportunities to our people and region, while protecting the integrity of our lands for future generations’ – Chief Wilf Adam, Lake Babine First Nation
British Columbia’s Minister of Forestry Ravi Parmer explained that this transfers gives power back to Lake Babine Nation when it comes to when, where, and what timber on their territory is harvested. It also ensures continuous revenue and employment opportunities for the Nation, and a continuous supply of fiber for West Fraser Timber Co. LTD, a key partner in the transfer agreement.
‘It’s certainty and its predictability, not just for Lake Babine, but in particular to West Fraser. They get access to a supply of fiber, and I’m hopeful that with strong, healthy access to fiber they will be looking to make substantial investments at their mill in Smithers; which hopefully will create more jobs, opportunity and prosperity for the town of Smithers, but also for communities all across British Columbia.’ – Ravi Parmar, BC’s Minister of Forests
Minister Parmer called it a powerful partnership, and noted that it marks the completion of a promise made by the BC NDP Government under former Premier John Horgan nearly eight years ago, when he promised that First Nations would one day hold the rights to 20% of the Province’s allowable annual cut.
“Under former Premier John Horgan, and continued under Premier Eby, we made a commitment of a goal of having First Nations have access to over 20% of tenure in this Province. With this announcement, we’ve reached that goal.” – Ravi Parmar, BC’s Minister of Forests
The expansion was made possible thanks to a partnership with West Fraser, with support from the Province. It will see the transfer of more than 120,000 hectares of forested area within Lake Babine Nation’s tradition territory to the Nation’s First Nations Woodland License from tenures previously held by West Fraser.
The expansion adds nearly 212,000 cubic meters of allowable annual cut to LBN’s license, for a new grand total around of 230,000 cubic meters; 20,000 cubic meters less than the 250,000 cubic meters Lake Babine Nation had outlined within their 2020 Foundation Agreement. The new AAC is equal to about 4600 truck loads of logs per year.
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