First Nations’ connection to their lands and resources is fundamental to their culture and survival and prosperity. Over many years, Rob has worked with First Nations to ensure forestry operations conducted within their territory both benefit the Nation directly and ensures the way forestry is conducted is in accord with the individual Nations values – environmentally, culturally and ecologically.
Example of Clients
Huu-ay-aht First Nations
Rob led a multi-disciplinary team to support Huu-ay-aht First Nations in acquiring 7% of TFL 44 from Western Forest Products. Rob was also the lead negotiator for Huu-ay-aht, ensuring throughout discussions the Nations’ interests were prioritized.
Projects
Huu-ay-aht & Western Forestry Agreement
- Healthy forestry practices are fundamental to healthy fisheries, streams, sustainable ecosystem.
- Getting forestry right, benefits not just the forest, but the ecosystem as a whole (including marine habitat)
- Culture, survival, and prosperity.
“What you take out of the land, you must put back.”
–Late Tayii Ḥaw̓ił ƛiišin, Spencer Peters
As Huu-ay-aht explores ways to become a larger participant in the forest sector in the Alberni Valley and advance our decision-making control in Tayii Ḥaw̓ił ƛiišin’s (hereditary chief Derek Peters) hạhuułi (traditional territory), the nation followed a principled approach to its forestry practices with input from citizens, as well as our hereditary and elected governments. Film produced by Munro/Thompson.
News Releases
Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Western Forest Products Inc. Continue Along Shared Path to Reconciliation
March 20, 2018
Huu-ay-aht First Nations (“Huu-ay-aht”) and Western Forest Products Inc. (“Western”) today announced the signing of a Reconciliation Protocol Agreement.
Exploring potential alternative ownership structures in Huu-ay-aht’s traditional territories pursuant to the Reconciliation Protocol Agreement
August 22, 2018
Huu-ay-aht First Nations (“Huu-ay-aht”) and Western Forest Products Inc. (TSX: WEF) (“Western”) announce that they are working together to…
Sale of ownership interest in Port Alberni forest operation
December 14, 2019
Huu-ay-aht First Nations (“Huu-ay-aht”) and Western Forest Products Inc. (TSX: WEF) (“Western”) have reached an agreement whereby Huu-ay-aht will acquire a 7% interest from…
finalization of sale, signing ceremony & celebration
March 29, 2019
Huumiis Ventures Limited Partnership (“HVLP”), a limited partnership beneficially owned by the Huu-ay-aht First Nations (“Huu-ay-aht”), and Western Forest Products Inc. (TSX: WEF) (“Western”) announced…
Premier John Horgan sends his congratulations to Huu-ay-aht and Western on the closing of the TFL 44 agreement, and commencement of the new TFL 44 LP.
Media Coverage
Huu-ay-aht First Nations aim for forestry revitalization through agreement with Western Forest Products
Ha-Shilth-Sa
Huu-ay-aht First Nation has purchased a seven percent interest in Tree Farm Licence 44 from Western Forest Products (WFP) Inc. in a newly formed limited partnership…
Huu-ay-aht First Nations purchases interest in Western Forest Products
Alberni Valley News
Western Forest Products has sold ownership interest in its Port Alberni forest operation to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. The announcement was made Dec. 14 at Pacific Coast University in Port Alberni. The purchase…
B.C. First Nation strikes partnership with forestry company on its territory
APTN
Chief Robert Dennis strains to find the top of a spruce tree in his territory on the west coast of Vancouver Island. “If I was to guess how old this spruce tree is, it would be in 300 to 400 years old,” he says. “And I would easily say…
