Kitsumkalum First Nation, the Kitsumkalum Economic Development Group, and Terrace Timber Ltd. are moving forward with a new forestry partnership aimed at creating long-term opportunities in the Northwest.
The agreement, announced last week, establishes Terrace Timber as the harvesting contractor for Kitsumkalum’s forestry operations under Bill 13.
Kitsumkalum Chief Councillor Troy Sam says the partnership comes at an important time for the forestry sector, which continues to face challenges including market uncertainty and changing industry conditions.
“It will create a little bit more certainty, possibly bring a little more stability while we wait for these markets to improve because the log markets are not the greatest right now,” Sam said.
Kitsumkalum Economic Development Group CEO Diane Collins says the agreement is one step in a larger process to restart forestry operations.
Collins says additional agreements and discussions still need to happen, including work with neighbouring Nations whose traditional territories are involved.
“The Bill 13 contract really means that we can actually start some logging again,” Collins said. “We have a number of different agreements to put into place since we’re a brand new corporation to get things moving.”
Collins says Terrace Timber was chosen as a partner because of its experience working in the region, including experience with Bill 13 contracts and challenging terrain.
Both Sam and Collins say moving forward will require strong relationships, trust, and careful planning.
The partnership is expected to support local contractors, workers, and broader economic development opportunities as Kitsumkalum continues building its forestry operations.
