FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tla’amin Nation Update on Old Growth Deferrals and Integrated Resource Management Plan
Our Lands, Our People, Our Vision
November 3, 2021 – Tla’amin, British Columbia – Earlier today, the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) announced its proposed “Priority Deferrals” for old growth in the Tla’amin Area, with a commitment to work closely with the Tla’amin Nation.
As a self-governing Modern Treaty Nation, Tla’amin have a constitutionally protected right under treaty to manage our territory, waters and resources in alignment with Tla’amin priorities and Tla’amin values. Forestry strategies, priorities and decisions in the Tla’amin Area have been led by Tla’amin Nation since time immemorial and will continue to be led by Tla’amin in accordance with our taʔow.
In July 2021, Tla’amin Nation announced its intention to develop an Integrated Resource Management Plan (IRMP) and to work with FLNRORD, tenure holders and partners like Western Forest Products to pause old growth falling in the Tla’amin Area, including Tla’amin and Provincial tenures, pending further review of old growth in the context of the Tla’amin led IRMP process.
We appreciate the initiative taken by the BC Government to engage with Tla’amin Nation and to share its analysis of priorities for old growth deferrals in the Tla’amin Area. We will take the time to review the Province’s proposals and will continue our own analysis of priorities in alignment with the Tla’amin IRMP, which will draw on our taʔow as well as important contributions from our citizens and partners, and our expert advisors in forestry, fisheries and resource management. We will provide an update on our review of BC’s proposals in the coming months.
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 much appreciated. We value the commitment, support and respect BC is demonstrating to our Treaty relationship.
The next community engagement session on the IRMP will be scheduled for late November. Stay tuned for updates at www.TlaaminNation.com.
About Tla’amin Nation
Tla’amin Nation is a modern, forward-thinking First Nation Government at an exciting point in its history. In April 2016, the community became self-governing through the BC treaty process. The community resides on BC’s Sunshine Coast, north of Powell River. Tla’amin Nation has a rich heritage that stretches back since time immemorial and is guided by its taʔow (teachings) enshrined in its Constitution and Governance Structure.
For further information, please contact:
Steve Gallagher
Communications Coordinator, Tla’amin Nation, nehmotl@tn-bc.ca