Tla’amin Forest Resource Plan defines sustainable forest management in ʔəms giǰɛ (Tla’amin Territory)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2024

t̓išosəm – On August 14th, Tla’amin Nation approved a comprehensive Forest Resource Plan (Plan) that outlines forest management objectives across ʔəms giǰɛ (Tla’amin Territory). Developed over two years with input from Tla’amin hunters, harvesters, cultural practitioners, and staff, the Plan marks an important shift for the Nation.

“This Plan puts us back in the driver’s seat and restores Tla’amin values and voice across our territory,” said Hegus John Hackett. “With this Plan, Tla’amin Nation has effectively outlined a 300-year strategy to protect the quality of life for Tla’amin people, our neighboring communities, and our plant and animal relations.”

Rooted in Tla’amin taʔow (Teachings), the Plan emphasizes sustainable land management practices that honor the land. It protects core Tla’amin cultural values, supports ecosystem integrity, and enhances environmental health by maintaining biodiversity and abundance across the ʔəms giǰɛ.

Tla’amin Elder Ochele (Betty Wilson) said “I’m encouraged to see Tla’amin put our culture and cultural resources as a priority in how we manage the land. We need to work together so that the resources will be there for the future generations. We must protect what we have rather than diminish it.”

Covering over 200,000 hectares of forest land, both within and outside Tla’amin Treaty Settlement Lands, the Plan exceeds federal and provincial standards for conservation networks, stream protection, and old-growth management.

Tla’amin Lands Director Denise Smith noted that the Plan was first initiated in 2021 when Tla’amin youth protested the logging of old-growth forests in Tla’amin territory. “Three years ago, our youth spoke out about our Tla’amin right and responsibility to care for this place and preserve a healthy future for their children. Since then, we’ve used the tools of a self-governing Nation to influence what happens beyond the borders of our Treaty Settlement Lands. I am proud of this thoughtful, long-term plan to care for our territory.”

Tla’amin Nation worked in collaboration with major forest tenure holders in Tla’amin Territory to develop this plan.

Visit www.tlaaminnation.com/forest-resource-plan to read the Plan, view maps, and review detailed schedules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tla’amin Forest Resource Plan?

The Tla’amin Forest Resource Plan sets out management direction for over 200,000 hectares of forestland in Tla’amin Territory including 8,300 hectares of Tla’amin Treaty Settlement Lands.

This plan creates a predictable framework for the next 300 years so that the rights of people, animals and plants in Tla’amin Territory are respected and protected.

The Plan coordinates stakeholders and addresses cumulative impacts of industry on water, plant and animal life across the Territory.

The Plan marks the resumption of Tla’amin Nation’s stewardship role across all of Tla’amin Territory.

The Plan is built upon Tla’amin Law and fulfils requirements as outlined in the Tla’amin Forest Law.

How was this Plan developed?

A two-year holistic process was undertaken to develop the Plan.

Staff spoke with hunters, plant medicine experts, Elders and other Tla’amin harvesters to develop the plan and protect resources key to the sustainment of Tla’amin culture and teachings. The voices of Citizens who spend a lot of time on the Territory were prioritized through the two-year development process.

Large forest tenure holders provided input into the Plan’s development to harmonize harvesting schedules and to minimize cumulative impacts.

The Plan includes standards for cumulative effects. For instance, right now there is limited provincial protection for small streams, but small streams feed big streams. This plan establishes buffers for small streams and increases the size of all stream buffers.

Why is a long-term plan important?

Trees and ecosystems take a long time to grow and develop so long-term planning is critical. Reaching objectives like the reestablishment of old growth stands in key areas takes hundreds of years.

This plan models 300 years into the future. The Plan enables Tla’amin Nation to exceed 30×30 conservation area targets (by which 30% of available area is protected by 2030).

The Nation relies on Forestry revenues to fund critical programs and services so long-term revenue projections are important.

What is the term of the plan?

The Plan is an evergreen adaptive management plan. It will be reviewed within 1 year of implementation and audited annually thereafter.