On the reacquisition of responsibility for territories comprising TFL 39 Block 1
This deal has been years in the making, and we pursued it because we believe that local ownership makes sense. When the people who belong to a place care for it, we build an economy that balances rights with responsibilities, and prosperity with protection.
For more than a century, decisions about our territory were made without us. Tree Farm Licenses were created in the 1940s without Tla’amin consent. Governments and companies negotiated cutting rights while we watched valleys logged with little regard for our cultural sites, our waters, or our teachings.
The acquisition of TFL 39 Block 1 marks a turning point for our Nation. It brings more than 150,000 hectares of land, 98% of which falls within Tla’amin territory, back under our care. This single act increases our land holdings and tenures from 8% to over 51% of our territory.
This is a major investment in our future, and it comes with responsibility. Stewardship takes patience and long-term thinking. Through our 300-year Tla’amin Forest Resource Plan, we will guide these lands using our taʔow, making decisions not just for today, but for the generations who will follow us.
In a time of global economic uncertainty this reacquisition is an example of us betting on ourselves. Forestry has driven our economy for the last decade and TFL 39 block 1 will strengthen both our sovereignty and our local economy. This means jobs, training, and Nation-owned businesses built on our terms.
This will benefit the broader qathet region as well. We welcome old and new partnerships with local businesses who want to work with us in a way that respects the land and creates lasting prosperity here at home.
We’ve worked hard for this. We’ve trained our people. We’ve built our own forestry company. We’ve shown that stewardship and sustainability can walk hand in hand.
Today, we begin a new chapter. We welcome this important part of Tla’amin gɩǰɛ back into Tla’amin hands to heal, to manage, and to pass on to future generations.