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BC gov apportions nearly 15% of Prince George TSA to First Nations

The B.C. government recently announced a new apportionment decision that will see First Nations in the Prince George Timber Supply Area (TSA) receive 14.9 per cent of the allowable annual cut, up from 3.6 per cent.

According to a government press release, the change will enhance the First Nations’ role in the area’s forest economy and result in mutually beneficial partnerships between industry and First Nations.

“Over the past six months, the ministry has engaged with forest companies, local governments and stakeholders regarding this apportionment,” said Katrine Conroy, B.C. minister of forests, lands, natural resource operations and rural development, in a statement. “I have considered the interests expressed by those groups as well as the input of First Nations in making this apportionment decision.”

The apportionment decision gives more access to tenure agreements to a wider group of businesses and First Nations, the B.C. government says.

“The Carrier Sekani First Nations fully support this important decision by Minister Conroy,” said Mina Holmes, Tribal Chief for the Carrier Sekani First Nations, in a press release. “We are now beginning to abide by the principles set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the B.C. Declaration Act. This presents an opportunity to strike a new path together and bring real reconciliation to our region.”