(Carrier Sekani First Nation Territories – May 21, 2021) –The Carrier Sekani First Nations applaud Minister Katrine Conroy’s apportionment decision for the Prince George Timber Supply Area that was announced today. It represents the culmination of a collaborative decision-making process between the Carrier Sekani First Nations and the Minister on the apportionment decision.
Today marks a milestone for all British Columbians as the Minister has apportioned 1,240,233 cubic metres in the Prince George Timber Supply Area to First Nations, which represents nearly 15% of the Allowable Annual Cut. This is the largest percentage of an Annual Allowable Cut that the Minister has apportioned to First Nations in the history British Columbia, representing yet another precedent forged through collaboration between the Carrier Sekani First Nations and the Province.
“Minister Conroy’s apportionment decision is a meaningful step towards true and lasting reconciliation,” said Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Chief Mina Holmes. “We finally have a say in what happens in our territories through the collaborative decision-making process set out in the precedent-setting Pathway Forward 2.0 Agreement.”
The success of this collaborative decision-making process is another step the Carrier Sekani First Nations have taken with the Province towards consent-based decision-making in Carrier Sekani Territories. The first step was taken when the Province recognized Carrier Sekani Aboriginal title and rights in the Collaboration Agreement in 2015.
The Carrier Sekani First Nations look forward to working with the Province and neighbouring local governments in building a new forest economy, creating more value from every tree harvested. Working together we can protect our stewardship values while maintaining vibrant communities.
For further information contact: Audrey McKinnon, Communications Officer, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council; communicationsofficer@cstc.bc.ca, 250-617-3862