The Lheidli T’enneh First Nation will see greater forest stewardship benefits and exclusive harvesting rights to timber resources in their territory through an agreement with the Ministry of Forests.
The First Nation is receiving a First Nations Woodland Licence in the new forest tenure opportunity agreement that was negotiated at a government-to-government negotiation table established by the Lheidli T’enneh and the BC Government last year.
“One thing that we have heard from many First Nations is that they want a bigger role in the forest sector, in alignment with their inherent treaty and constitutionally protected rights, and we’re working hard to make that happen,” said Minister of Forests Katrine Conroy.
The LTFN will have exclusive timber harvesting rights to an estimated 217,312 hectares within their territories east of Prince George, as well as on the north and south sides of the Highway 16 corridor.
Conroy added this is the largest such offer in British Columbia to date.
“This new forest tenure opportunity agreement with the Government of B.C. provides greater economic and forest stewardship benefits to our Nation,” said Chief Dolleen Logan, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.
“Our new First Nations Woodland Licence will allow us to achieve greater economic certainty and the ability to act on our forest stewardship priorities, including supporting increased moose populations, which is a traditional food source for our members. We will continue to work with our local forest industry to achieve these objectives and we thank the B.C. government for believing in our vision and our ability to manage our forest resources.”
Logan added the LTFN will be working with local contractors to keep jobs in the community.
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