Klahoose First Nation Purchase Majority of Forest Tenure in Their Traditional Territory

The landmark deal between Klahoose First Nation and Interfor will advance the Nation’s goal of self-determination and strengthen their position in the B.C. forest sector

The Klahoose First Nation has signed a landmark deal with forest company Interfor to purchase a total tenure of 181,036 cubic metres of annual cut of forest lands located on the Sunshine Coast in the Nation’s traditional territory.

“The Klahoose Nation is a forestry nation,” said Chief Steven Brown, Klahoose First Nation. “We see a bright future for forestry and it is time for us to manage the resources in our territory for the benefits to come to our members. By purchasing the tenure licenses to these lands from Interfor we will create jobs and revenue for our members but also help ensure that B.C.’s forest sector thrives into the future rather than being a sunset industry.”

The Klahoose invested from their forestry revenue to add over 180,000 cubic metres of timber to the existing tenure of 115,000 cubic metres, resulting in a total of 296,036 cubic metres in annual allowable cut (AAC) under their ownership and management. This purchase brings the Klahoose First Nation a step closer to its goal of being the only licensee in its territory. It also makes the Klahoose one of the largest First Nations tenure holders and forestry operators in the province.

Ralph Friedrich, Interfor Vice President Coastal Operations said, “We have valued our long-term relationship with the Klahoose First Nation and are delighted to reach this milestone agreement. Interfor is committed to the ongoing progress on reconciliation in British Columbia. This tenure transfer agreement with the Klahoose is a demonstration of the mutually beneficial outcomes that can be achieved when Nations and companies like ours work together in a collaborative spirit.”

“Klahoose is embarking on a sustainable journey, creating a circular economy through our forestry initiatives,” said Chief Brown. “Timber from our tenures will be processed at the Klahoose mill and utilized in constructing cabins at our resorts. This integrated approach—from logging and milling to construction and tourism—generates employment for Klahoose members, keeps profits within our community and benefits the entire region’s economy. These profits will be invested back into vital areas such as health, education, and housing. This initiative marks a proud and promising chapter for the Klahoose, with lasting benefits for future generations.”

“In the three years we have been supporting the Klahoose by managing and building their forestry businesses, we have developed operations to ensure maximum benefit to the nation and connect them with their deep roots in forestry,” said Josh Hiebert, Forestry Manager, Klahoose First Nation and Klahoose Forestry Limited Partnership and Managing Partner, Forbidden Timber Ltd., which manages the tenure for the Klahoose. “The Klahoose and we are both committed to sustainable forestry operations that ensure their members have both short and long-term benefits, and that the community as a whole benefits and thrives as well.”

The Klahoose First Nation is currently investing in a refit of its community mill, which will use sustainably-logged fibre from the separate community forest and woodlot tenures on Cortes Island to make a range of value-added forestry products for local use.

A photo of Chief Brown on the site of the new tenure is available here.

About the Klahoose First Nation

Occupying traditional territories that span from Cortes Island to Toba Inlet, the Klahoose Nation has existed since time before memory. Our primary village site, Squirrel Cove, is home to approximately seventy-five full-time residents who live and work on Cortes Island and in the surrounding areas. The remaining three hundred and nine members reside in off reserve coastal communities in the lower mainland, and Washington State. Our territories are rich in resources, both on land and in the waters that surround us. This abundance helped sustain our ancestors who carefully managed fish and wildlife to ensure future generations have access to these vital resources. Today, Klahoose is rediscovering the beauty of the traditions which have historically defined our peoples. Ancient protocols are being practiced and the Klahoose people are once again thriving. Learn more.

About Interfor

Interfor is a growth-oriented forest products company with operations in Canada and the United States. The Company has annual production capacity of approximately 3.0 billion board feet and offers one of the most diverse lines of lumber products to customers around the world. For more information about Interfor, visit our website at www.interfor.com.

Contact:

Michaela Konken – Coast Communications and Public Affairs – michaela@coastcomms.ca – (250) 320-0666