Vancouver/CMEDIA: A joint decision-making agreement that advances reconciliation has reportedly been signed by ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation and the Province of BC to support predictable harvesting and sustainable forestry operations on the north Island.
“Completing this agreement marks a major step forward in building a modern, collaborative planning approach for northern Vancouver Island firmly rooted in partnership with ‘Na̲mg̲is…enables timely approval and implementation of the Forest Landscape Plan and Forest Operations Plan for TFL 37…strengthen economic resilience and deliver lasting benefits for communities as we navigate challenging times,” said Steven Hofer, president and CEO of Western Forest Products Inc.
“This agreement is a first of its kind, and it brings stability, certainty and jobs to the north Island…First Nations, industry, workers and communities at the same table, getting big things done…create more jobs, and give industry the stability and predictability it needs, while ensuring the ‘Na̲mg̲is have a meaningful role in stewarding their lands as we build a working forest together,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests.
Section 7 joint decision-making agreement has been approved by ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation and the Province under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) and Forest Range and Practices Act affirming that ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation are partners in forestry decisions that directly affect their territory, community and future.
Supporting north Island communities
Besides enabling the joint establishment of (FLPs), the agreement will also provide approval of associated Forest Operations Plans (FOPs) within the area of Tree Farm Licence (TFL) 37 that overlaps ‘Na̲mg̲is territory, located near Woss and Port McNeill on northern Vancouver Island.
“The shared decision-making agreement recognizes our right to make forestry management decisions in our Territory, an important incremental recognition of our jurisdiction that fosters reconciliation… implements the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples…will ensure that ‘Na̲mg̲is forest values will be central to stewardship,” said Chief Victor Isaac.
As a new approach, Forest landscape planning shows how the Province manages forests in B.C., providing direction about where, when and how harvesting can occur within an area.
Sustainable forest management and economic opportunities for people in the region will be supported by the TFL 37 FLP
Driving reconciliation and collaboration forward
- As part of the Province’s commitment to reconciliation is Making Section 7 agreements with Indigenous governing bodies.
- Recognizing and implementing Indigenous jurisdiction, the agreements would be part of B.C.’s decision-making process to help ensure transparency, stability and predictability for the forestry sector through consensus about where and how harvest activities will occur.
- The draft agreement was completed on Oct. 3, 2025, the Province announced.
- Neighbouring First Nations, industry, local governments, stakeholders and the public were invited to provide input from Oct. 3 until Nov. 2, 2025.
- The agreement between the Province and ‘Na̲mg̲is was finalized after the conclusion of the public engagement.
Ensuring FLP completion
- TFL 37 is held by Western Forest Products, which has been actively collaborating with ‘‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation on the development of a forest landscape plan since 2021.
- A draft of the FLP was shared for public review and input in spring 2024.
- After addressing the feedback received, an updated draft was submitted to the government in 2025.
- The Section 7 joint decision-making agreement is a critical next step to jointly establish the FLP and approve associated FOP.
While enabling implementation of long-term forest-management strategies within the TFL, the agreement between ‘Na̲mg̲is and the Province will also support First Nations and local community values.
Ensuring diverse voices help shape the future of B.C.’s forests through the forest landscape, the Government is committed to the planning process to enable B.C. forests to be effectively managed for many values, such as old growth, biodiversity, climate resilience, watershed health, wildfire risk and economic opportunities.
“Building and strengthening partnerships with First Nations moves us all forward to a brighter tomorrow. Through this agreement, the Province and ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation will partner together on decisions about forestry stewardship and economic sustainability and create more strength and stability in the community and throughout the region,” Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation said
