Should 'Namgis First Nation Share Forestry Decisions with B.C.?

Official title: 'Namgis-B.C. Section 7 Agreement

Closed Policy & Studies Indigenous & Northern Natural Resources
B.C. and 'Namgis First Nation have drafted a first-of-its-kind agreement to make forestry decisions together on northern Vancouver Island. The deal covers Tree Farm Licence 37 in the Nimpkish Valley, currently held by Western Forest Products. If approved, both parties would jointly create forest landscape plans and approve logging operations.

Why This Matters

This is the first joint decision-making agreement for forestry in B.C. It could set a template for how Indigenous nations and the province share power over resource decisions. If you live on northern Vancouver Island or work in forestry, this directly affects your community's future.

What Could Change

The agreement was signed on December 15, 2025. 'Namgis First Nation now has formal decision-making authority over forest landscape plans and logging operations in their territory. This creates a new governance model that could be replicated with other First Nations across B.C.

Key Issues

  • Should 'Namgis First Nation have joint decision-making power over forestry in their territory?
  • How will this agreement affect forestry jobs and industry certainty on the North Island?
  • Is this the right model for shared governance under the Declaration Act?

How to Participate

  1. Review the draft Section 7 agreement and the Q&A document to understand what's being proposed.
  2. Submit written feedback to forestlandscapeplanning@gov.bc.ca. Note: The engagement period has closed.

What Happened

The agreement was signed on December 15, 2025. 'Namgis First Nation and B.C. formalized their joint decision-making arrangement for forestry operations in Tree Farm Licence 37.

View Final Decision

Key Documents