Williams Lake First Nation Signs Joint Development Agreement with West Fraser

Left to right:
Kourtney Cook: Chief Administrative Officer, WLFN
Willie Sellars: Kukwpi7 (Chief), WLFN
John Walker: Stewardship Forester, WLFN
Aaron Higginbottom, Director of Natural Resources, WLFN

Williams Lake First Nation Signs Joint Development Agreement with West Fraser

Williams Lake, B.C., July 29, 2024– Williams Lake First Nation has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with West Fraser whereby the parties have agreed to combine their local tenure volumes into a single First Nations Woodland License (FNWL) to be held by Williams Lake First Nation. 

“The Joint Development Agreement and the associated FNWL represent a positive step towards reconciliation,” said Chief Willie Sellars. “This agreement allows Williams Lake First Nation to manage forestry activities in key areas of interest while keeping our stewardship priorities at the forefront. This agreement is positive for the sustainability of the forestry industry in our region and will deliver employment and long-term benefits to Williams Lake First Nation members, other residents, and the regional forestry sector.”

“This agreement recognizes the importance of the Williams Lake First Nation in leading the forest resource management in their traditional territory, and continues our work of building new, meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Nations,” said Sean McLaren, President and CEO, West Fraser.  “By providing a measure of fiber security for West Fraser, partnerships like this one will be key to restoring a thriving forest sector in the province.”

Timber supply for the FNWL will come from the Central Cariboo Timber Supply Area.

Williams Lake First Nation Media Contact:
John Walker
Stewardship Forester
778-417-0182
john.walker@wlfn.ca