Wildfires, Logging, and Climate Change Jeopardize Old Growth: Union of BC Indian Chiefs Advances Protect Our Elder Trees Declaration

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is calling on the provincial government for immediate action and meaningful engagement with First Nations to protect old-growth forests that, having been pushed to the brink of extinction by years of over-logging and systemic mismanagement, now risk further irreparable destruction as intense wildfires rage across the province. … In the face of escalating aggressive wildfires that have led to a provincial state of emergency, by Resolution 2021-38, UBCIC has advanced and endorsed a critical guiding document – the Protect Our Elder Trees Declaration. Developed by First Nation chiefs and UBCIC members, this Declaration affirms support for the implementation of the Old Growth Strategic Review Panel’s recommendations and advances a First Nations approach to old growth management that is guided by ancestral laws, responsibilities, and upholding Title and Rights.