FORESTRY

Forestry

The Qwelmínte Secwépemc collective have embarked on transformation management of Secwépemc territories with respect to the Forestry industry. The Qwelmínte Secwépemc draw their principles and instructions from the Tlli7sa telling to “Transform Cannibal Powers on the Land / People-Eaters Ts’ecelemc” for the protection of the Tmícw [land, resources, and everything on the earth]. Qwelmínte Secwépemc launched the transformation by building a path that stands up Secwépemc Law alongside the Provincial laws governing the Forestry industry. 

To endeavour towards this transformation of BC forestry policy, regulations, and legislation, Qwelmínte Secwépemc and BC have started a Qwelmínte Secwépemc-Government to Government Forestry Working Group (called the QS-G2G FWG). Membership of the group includes technicians and practitioners from the Natural Resource, Title and Rights, and Stewardship departments of Qwelmínte Secwépemc signatories and parallel representatives from the Province. The Qwelmínte Secwépemc Government to Government Forestry Working Group is Co-Chaired by Mike Anderson (QS representative and Skeetchestn Natural Resources Corporation CEO) and Rachael Pollard (BC Representative and Thompson River District Manager for the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development). The QS-G2G FWG started meeting in the Fall of 2019 and hosted a Forestry Transformation Forum at Splatsin on October 9-10, 2019 where different groups and representatives presented innovative ways to transform Forestry management. Qwelmínte Secwépemc has been undertaking information gathering and planning to realize Forestry Transformation and support initiatives at the Collective, Campfire / Division, and Community levels.  

During the winter and spring of 2020, the QS-G2G FWG has focused on the Joint Intentions Paper through the development of a Forestry Transformation Action Plan. Through the Forestry Transformation Action Plan, the QS-G2G FWG developed recommendations for inclusion in the Joint Intentions Paper. The Forestry Transformation Action Plan outlines both short and long-term priority actions for forestry transformation, as identified by the QS-G2G FWG. 

Short-term priority actions and key areas include: 

• The development of Territorial Stewardship Offices in signatory communities

• The implementation of collaborative initiatives / pilots

• The negotiation of a Collective Forestry Agreement  

The QS-G2G FWG is working to advance these short-term priority actions identified for 2020-2021 to realize Forestry Transformation on the ground. Long-term priority actions and key areas may be advanced to both QS and BC for their consideration in the negotiation and development of a Collective Forestry Agreement. 

Qwelmínte Secwépemc is actively working to influence BC policy, regulations, and legislation across a broad range of decisions. BC is currently contemplating changes to the Forest & Range Practices Act. Through these proposed changes, Qwelmínte Secwépemc and BC have the opportunity to engage collaboratively on a Forest and Landscape Plan collaborative initiative within the Kamloops Timber Supply Area. The Forest and Landscape Plan will influence the evolution of the Forest & Range Practices Act policies and regulations. 

Through their innovative Government to Government relationship, the ongoing work of the QS-G2G FWG, the implementation of collaborative initiatives, and the standing up of Secwépemc Law and drawing upon the Tlli7sa telling, Qwelmínte Secwépemc is poised to meaningfully transform Forestry.