Forest Policy Changes Needed to Create a New Relationship with
First Nations in BC

Chief David Walkem, Vice-Chair, Nicola Similkameen Innovative Forestry Society

March 13, 2006

Please click here to view/download a PDF version of the presentation (.pdf 160KB); also
available from our Publications page, under "Presentations".

In 1997 the Province approved an Innovative Forest Practice Agreement (IFPA) Pilot Project in the Merritt Timber Supply Area (TSA). The pilot involved all forest industry, provincial government agencies, and First Nations in the TSA coming together to develop sustainable forest management practices and increased economic benefits. This lecture will examine the lessons learned from the Merritt IPFA and their implications for increased First Nations participation in forest management and for new forest policy needed to implement the “New Relationship” between the province and First Nations. A lively discussion will follow.

David Walkem is the Vice-Chair of the Nicola Similkameen Innovative Forestry Society (NSIFS), which since 1997 oversees the planning for 6 Innovative Forestry Practices Agreements (IFPA) held by major licencees in the Merritt Timber Supply Area. David is currently a member of the First Nations Mountain Pine Beetle Working Group appointed to implement the First Nations response to the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic in the province.