Osoyoos Indian Band and Weyerhaeuser see a promising future for their collaboration. Photo credit: oib.ca
OSOYOOS – The Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) and Weyerhaeuser are collaborating in the managing of Tree Farm Licence (TFL) 59, an area of deep cultural, ecological, and economic importance. This partnership enables OIB to integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into all facets of forest management.
OIB’s forestry company, Siya Forestry, oversees the layout and development of harvesting permits with direction from the Lands and Referral Department and Traditional Knowledge Keepers. “Because OIB develops the cut blocks and land management activities, we can ensure that the Band’s values and priorities are reflected in every plan,” says Macmaster. “This is about protecting the OIB’s land and passing that knowledge on to future generations.”
A strong commitment to collaboration has been key to the success of this partnership. Norm Druck and Brian Drobe from Weyerhaeuser highlight how the agreement aligns with the company’s broader values.
“Partnering with the Osoyoos Indian Band is a positive step forward in developing a collaborative, trusting, and respectful approach to sustainable forestry,” says Norm. “We share a deeply held belief that making responsible decisions today ensures forests will be available for future generations.”
Brian underscores the impact of OIB’s leadership in guiding the management approach for TFL 59.
“The sharing of traditional knowledge from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members has been instrumental,” he explains. “It allows us to integrate Indigenous stewardship into our plans, ensuring forests continue to support subsistence, economic, and ceremonial practices.”
Looking ahead, both Osoyoos Indian Band and Weyerhaeuser see a promising future for their collaboration.
“This partnership will lead to a strong, vibrant, and healthy forest that supports the social, cultural, and economic needs of the OIB and the local forest sector,” says Norm. Macmaster echoes this sentiment, adding, “We hope this association continues to grow, providing opportunities for OIB members as decision-makers, contractors, and stewards of TFL 59.”
Situated east of OIB’s reserve near Oliver, TFL 59 encompasses valuable wildlife habitat, key gathering areas for berries and plants, and sites of cultural importance. Management objectives for this tenure are extensive and ambitious, focusing on wildfire risk reduction, water resource protection, wildlife habitat enhancement, increased forest resilience, and the rehabilitation of areas affected by the 2021 wildfires.
“Tree Farm Licence 59 is an important area for the OIB community,” explains Dan Macmaster, Head of Forestry at Nk’Mip Forestry LLP. “Our goal is to properly manage this tenure to address multiple objectives across the landscape, whether it’s fuel mitigation, habitat improvements, or protecting culturally significant areas. Through our partnership with Weyerhaeuser, we’ve ensured that the values and priorities of our community are at the forefront of every decision.”
Business Examiner & source documents from Nk’Mip Forestry LLP
