Community forest to be established in Pemberton

The Lil’Wat Nation and Village of Pemberton have signed incorporation documents for the formation of a Community Forest Corporation.

According to a joint press release the Limited Partnership between Líl?wat Nation and the Village of Pemberton will ‘seek to balance environmental, social and economic values while taking into consideration the desires of its member and neighbouring communities’.

Community forests are seen as a tool to manage the local Crown land base, to provide benefits to the residents and help support local economies and provide long-term employment opportunities.

“The Spel’kumtn Community Forest is an act of reconciliation and relationship building between our two communities,” said Chief Dean Nelson. The Chief also says the project will allow them greater control and greater benefits over forestry activities surrounding their communities, and that the forest plays a part in the Lil’wat Nation’s objective to control forestry throughout the Lil’wat traditional territory.

Oversight of the Partnership and the Spel?ku?mtn (Ucwalmicws for ‘Signal Hill’) Community Forest will be undertaken by a Board of Directors. Representatives include the Líl?wat Nation Chief, Village of Pemberton Mayor and two community members from both Líl?wat and the Village.

“This partnership will uphold Indigenous Territory Rights while preserving culturally sensitive areas” said Mayor Mike Richman, who also said the forest would provide enormous opportunity, including financial and environmental benefits for both communities.

In September, the entity plans to make application to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development for a community forest tenure in the areas surrounding Pemberton & Mount Currie. As part of the application, a Management Plan will be submitted which links community values to the management of the Community Forest, in addition to a proposed annual allowable cut and community consultation initiatives and reporting. Currently there are 57 community forests within the Province.