On Jan. 15, 2026, four ministerial orders were signed to advance the implementation of the Gwa’ni Land Use Planning Project on Vancouver Island. The Gwa’ni Land Use Planning Project has been jointly developed by the B.C. government and ’Na̱mg̱is First Nation, with extensive input from industry, the public, communities, stakeholders and other interested parties. Among other goals, this project seeks to promote the values agreed upon through engagement, including: protect biodiversity, ecosystems and ’Na̱mg̱is First Nation cultural values within the Nimpkish Valley watershed; provide improved operational clarity for the forestry industry; and balance environmental, social and economic values within the planning area. The project supports the Tree Farm Licence 37 Forest Landscape Plan. In December 2025, ’Na̱mg̱is First Nation and the Province signed a joint decision-making agreement that advances reconciliation by supporting predictable harvesting and sustainable forestry operations on the north Island. 

Additional coverage in Chek News, by Jeff Lawrence: B.C. and ʼNa̱mǥis First Nation advance Gw’ani land-use plan for Nimpkish Valley