The Lake Babine Nation’s forestry company has signed a long-term log supply and forest management agreement West Fraser, which owns the Pacific Inland Resources sawmill in Smithers.
Lake Babine Nation Forestry Limited Partnership (LBN Forestry) will supply the mill through its new First Nations Woodland Licence (FNWL) and provides for West Fraser to work with LBN Forestry in the sustainable long-term management of the licence, consistent with Lake Babine Nation’s traditional values.
“This agreement is a significant milestone marking the implementation of the Lake Babine Nation Foundation Agreement that was signed with the Province on September 18, 2020,” said Chief Wilf Adam.
“Forestry is a major pillar of the Foundation Agreement and this agreement with West Fraser provides us with the foundation for increased economic opportunity with participation in the forest sector through business development and long-term employment opportunities for our members."
Adam noted the new FNWL also provides increased governance over the Nation's resources, which supports improved fibre security to forest sector businesses in the region.
“This agreement is an important step in creating a path to long-term stability in the forest sector and for communities through the recognition of Lake Babine Nation’s role as the resource steward in its traditional territory,” said Sean McLaren, President and CEO, West Fraser.
“It marks the start of a new relationship in terms of the management of B.C.’s forestry resource while providing a measure of fibre security for West Fraser. We are hopeful to create more partnerships like this one to help restore a thriving forest sector in the province.”