WFN awarded new forest licence

Photo: Contributed - David Cooper

The back of Big White taken Nov. 20, 2013

The provincial government has awarded the Westbank First Nation a replaceable forest licence in the West Kettle River area near Big White.

It will allow the band to harvest up to 32,400 cubic metres of timber per year for 15 years.

"Westbank First Nation is a rising force in Canada's economy, creating jobs and a strong and vibrant workforce. This new forest licence creates new opportunities that will have positive spinoffs for WFN and for the region as a whole,” says Chief Robert Louie.

"We have worked closely with the Province to make this licence a reality, and are proud as we take another step to ensure the self-sufficiency and sustainability of WFN.”

The licence covers approximately 9,000 hectares of crown land within the Derickson Trapline, an area that is historically significant to the band, and is home to traditional Marten trap lines.

"We have been working closely with Westbank First Nation for the past two years to make this replaceable forest licence a reality,” says Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests and Natural Resource Operations.

“It is a great opportunity - not just for the First Nation - but for the workers and forestry-related businesses across the region. This new licence is part of the government's ongoing plan to support prosperous rural forest economies by improving access to forest tenures."

The provincial government says there are currently 395 forestry-related licences held by First Nations under different agreements.