Kitsumkalum First Nation has entered into a new forestry partnership with Terrace Timber Ltd., naming the Terrace-based company as the replaceable harvesting contractor for the nation’s forestry operations.
The agreement, signed July 29th at the Skeena Sawmills boardroom, was reached under the framework of Bill 13. It involves Kitsumkalum First Nation, the Kitsumkalum Economic Development Group (KEDG), and Ama Gan, alongside Terrace Timber.
Kitsumkalum Chief Councillor Troy Sam said the agreement is a significant milestone for assets purchased out of receivership, and reflects a goal of sustainable harvest practices that bring long-term certainty to the region. He added the Northwest has too often been overlooked by the province, despite being a major contributor to it.
Diane Collins, CEO of the Kitsumkalum Economic Development Group, said forestry partnerships depend on the relationship between license holders and loggers, and grow from there into broader opportunities, something she says matters more than ever given the challenges facing the industry today.
Terrace Timber co-owner Dan Main said the agreement is meant to create stability, protect local jobs, and strengthen the regional economy, calling it an example of what’s possible when First Nations and local contractors work together.
Terrace Timber was established in 1997 when Main Logging Ltd. acquired West Fraser’s Skeena Sawmills operations. The company has since served as the harvesting contractor on TFL 41 and Forest Licence A16885, working throughout Northwest B.C.
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