B.C. First Nations and Forestry Council Call for a Reset of ‘Flawed Consultation’ Process

Snuneymuxw Territory (Nanaimo, B.C.) – First Nations continue to call for an immediate reset to the process used by the province to engage with Nations on changes to modernize forest policy in BC. Letters sent from several First Nations to Minister Katrine Conroy, in December 2021, cite serious concerns with both the forest policy engagement topics and process.  “Your government’s proposed timeline does not allow for meaningful and informed consultation required by provincial law,” Chief Councillor Brian Tate of the Ditidaht Nation tells Minister Conroy in his letter. “This behaviour is inconsistent with the Declaration Act, and not conducive to renewing the relationship between First Nations and the Province, which your government claims to be deeply committed to.”  “As rights holders over our unceded territory, we are not stakeholders,” says Chief Keith Crow of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band in his letter to Minister Conroy. “Under DRIPA, the changes being proposed to forest legislation, policies and regulations require our prior, informed consent.”