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TimberWest signs and renews two First Nation Memorandums of Understanding

Dec. 18, 2017 - Private timberland company TimberWest announced that it has both signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pacheedaht First Nation, and renewed a MoU with the Malahat First Nation.

TimberWest said it wanted to formalize a long-term collaborative commitment in support of First Nation culture, environmental stewardship and restoration projects, and forestry education, mentorship and business opportunities with the Pacheedaht First Nation and reaffirm that commitment with the Malahat First Nation.

The company believes strongly in collaborative approaches with its neighbours, said TimberWest president and chief executive officer Jeff Zweig. 

“The MoU with the Pacheedaht First Nation will strengthen our relationship, open dialogue between us, and foster genuine collaborative initiatives that benefit both parties. We look forward to the next several years working alongside the Pacheedaht First Nation,” Zweig said in a statement.

“The renewal of our MOU signifies the strength of our relationship and the good work we have accomplished. We look forward to deepening this relationship over the next several years,” Zweig said in a separate statement about the Malahat First Nation.

Pacheedaht First Nation territory includes the lands and waters along the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, while the Malahat Nation territory includes lands and waters along the southeast coast of Vancouver Island.  

TimberWest is certified to the Progressive Aboriginal Relations program of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. The company is also third-party certified under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and has been operating on the BC Coast for over 100 years.

December 18, 2017  By  Tamar Atik

Renee Racette