VICTORIA — A limited partnership between four Vancouver Island First Nations and one of British Columbia’s major forest companies [Western Forest Products] is being hailed as a path forward for the industry in the province. The Campbell River area First Nations are acquiring a 34 per cent ownership stake in the new partnership with Western Forest for $35.9 million, with part of the funding coming from treaty agreements with the province. Premier David Eby said “It’s a landmark agreement,” he said at a news conference. “What it’s really about is increasing the role of First Nations as stewards of their territories and driving stronger communities and greater economic development on northern Vancouver Island.” …Western Forest Products president Stephen Hofer said the partnership represents a new era for forestry in B.C.

Additional coverage in the National Observer (subscription required), by Rochelle Baker: New coastal First Nations deal maps ‘future’ of forestry in B.C.