BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development has announced its proposed priority deferrals for old-growth trees in the Tla’amin area, with a commitment to work closely with Tla’amin Nation.
A media release from Tla’amin states that as a self-governing modern treaty nation, the nation has a constitutionally protected right under treaty to manage its territory, waters and resources in alignment with Tla’amin priorities and values. Forestry strategies, priorities and decisions in the area have been led by Tla’amin since time immemorial and will continue to be led by Tla’amin in accordance with the taʔow [traditional teachings], the release stated.
According to the release, in July 2021, Tla’amin announced its intention to develop an integrated resource management plan (IRMP) and to work with the ministry, tenure holders and partners such as Western Forest Products to pause old growth falling in the area, including Tla’amin and provincial tenures, pending further review of old growth in the context of the Tla’amin-led IRMP process.
The release stated that Tla’amin appreciates the initiative taken by the BC Government to engage with the nation and to share its analysis of priorities for old growth deferrals in the Tla’amin area. Tla’amin will take the time to review the province’s proposals and continue its own analysis of priorities in alignment with the Tla’amin IRMP, which will draw on the taʔow, as well as important contributions from its citizens and partners, and its expert advisors in forestry, fisheries and resource management.
An update on the Tla’amin review of BC’s proposals will be provided in the coming months, according to the release, which also stated that BC’s support for the IRMP process and the commitment to secure Tla’amin’s prior agreement in relation to key forestry decisions, such as proposed old growth deferrals, is appreciated. The release stated that the nation values the commitment, support and respect BC is demonstrating to the treaty relationship.
The next community engagement session on the IRMP will be scheduled for late November. Updates will be posted at tlaaminnation.com.
