Over 2,000 hectares of land will be transferred back to the Wei Wai Kum First Nation through an agreement with the province.
The provincial government says they have signed an Incremental Treaty Agreement with the First Nation. A total of 2,276 hectares of territorial lands will be transferred back to the First Nation.
Lands will be used to help increase the Nation’s participation in the forest industry for economic purposes and cultural harvesting practices.
Wei Wai Kum First Nation Chief Chris Roberts says the agreement is a significant step that took a long time to get to.
“We have been engaged in the treaty negotiations process for 25 years, and that is too long to await resolution to the questions of land ownership and access to resources, while everything carries on around us, business as usual, and the value of our lands continues to diminish,” said Chief Roberts.
“We are now the rightful beneficial owners of these land parcels and will resume management and utilization in a sustainable manner that balances economic, environmental and recreational values, and this will benefit all residents of the surrounding area in our territory.”
B.C. says the agreement parcels represent a potential allowable annual timber harvest of 17,054 cubic metres, valued at around $1.2 million per year.
Campbell River mayor Andy Adams says the agreement is a step towards reconciliation and looks forward to more collaboration in the future.
“As mayor for the City of Campbell River, we are pleased to work collaboratively with the Wei Wai Kum First Nation on this ITA, which confirms the city’s commitment to reconciliation and strengthens our relationships,” said Adams.
“We are happy for Wei Wai Kum on this achievement and look forward to the benefits it will continue to bring to the region.”
