The Klahoose First Nation has purchased the majority of the forest tenure within its traditional territory in a deal that Chief Steven Brown says will help the nation create a circular economy.
“Klahoose is embarking on a sustainable journey, creating a circular economy through our forestry initiatives,” said Chief Brown. “Timber from our tenures will be processed at the Klahoose mill and utilized in constructing cabins at our resorts. This integrated approach—from logging and milling to construction and tourism—generates employment for Klahoose members, keeps profits within our community and benefits the entire region’s economy. These profits will be invested back into vital areas such as health, education, and housing. This initiative marks a proud and promising chapter for the Klahoose, with lasting benefits for future generations.”
The tenure, purchased from Interfor, is a total of 181,036 cubic metres of annual cut forest lands located on the Sunshine Coast in the Nation’s traditional territory.
“The Klahoose Nation is a forestry nation,” said Chief Brown. “We see a bright future for forestry and it is time for us to manage the resources in our territory for the benefits to come to our members. By purchasing the tenure licenses to these lands from Interfor we will create jobs and revenue for our members but also help ensure that B.C.’s forest sector thrives into the future rather than being a sunset industry.”
The Klahoose invested from their forestry revenue to add over 180,000 cubic metres of timber to the existing tenure of 115,000 cubic metres, resulting in a total of 296,036 cubic metres in annual allowable cut (AAC) under their ownership and management. This purchase brings the Klahoose First Nation a step closer to its goal of being the only licensee in its territory. It also makes the Klahoose one of the largest First Nations tenure holders and forestry operators in the province.
Ralph Friedrich, Interfor Vice President Coastal Operations said, “We have valued our long-term relationship with the Klahoose First Nation and are delighted to reach this milestone agreement. Interfor is committed to the ongoing progress on reconciliation in British Columbia. This tenure transfer agreement with the Klahoose is a demonstration of the mutually beneficial outcomes that can be achieved when Nations and companies like ours work together in a collaborative spirit.”
The Klahoose First Nation is currently investing in a refit of its community mill, which will use sustainably- logged fibre from the separate community forest and woodlot tenures on Cortes Island to make a range of value-added forestry products for local use.
“In the three years we have been supporting the Klahoose by managing and building their forestry businesses, we have developed operations to ensure maximum benefit to the nation and connect them with their deep roots in forestry,” said Josh Hiebert, Forestry Manager, Klahoose First Nation and Klahoose Forestry Limited Partnership and Managing Partner, Forbidden Timber Ltd., which manages the tenure for the Klahoose. “The Klahoose and we are both committed to sustainable forestry operations that ensure their members have both short and long-term benefits, and that the community as a whole benefits and thrives as well.”
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