Nk’Mip Forestry, the forestry division of the Osoyoos Indian Band, and Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR) have strengthened their Nation-to-Nation collaboration through a pair of detailed forestry field tours in the Cariboo Chilcotin and South Okanagan. CCR is a joint venture of Tŝideldel First Nation, Tl’etinqox Government, and Yunesit’in Government.
The exchange began with CCR hosting Nk’Mip in the Cariboo Chilcotin, where the teams visited major forest and road rehabilitation sites, wildfire fuel reduction projects, and areas undergoing ecosystem restoration. The tour highlighted CCR’s work to restore damaged landscapes, recover wood fibre, and improve forest resiliency while enhancing community safety.
Two weeks later, Nk’Mip hosted the CCR team on the traditional territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band. CCR members learned about forestry practices shaped by the region’s unique dryland ecology, including wildfire recovery efforts, fuel mitigation treatments, and tree planting guided by cultural values. The group also toured the site of the future Osoyoos Forest Nursery, scheduled to open in summer 2026.
Both organizations say the tours reinforced the value of learning directly on the land and demonstrated how differing ecosystems can spark shared solutions. The visits also helped strengthen relationships and affirm a collective commitment to advancing Indigenous-led forestry across British Columbia.
Nk’Mip and CCR say they view these tours as the start of ongoing collaboration built on shared priorities: healthier forests, safer communities, and strong futures for their Nations.
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