Forest Nations Rising: From Strong Roots to Global Horizons The 2026 BC First Nations Forestry Conference was hosted on the traditional, unceded territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation in Kelowna, British Columbia. Guided by the theme Forest Nations Rising: From Strong Roots to Global Horizons, the conference brought together First Nations, industry, government, sponsors, educational…
On behalf of the BC Wildfire Service, we are pleased to share this opportunity with First Nations communities. The BC Wildfire Service is in the early stages of policy development to address issues with the Wildfire Act and Regulation that are affecting wildfire operations and public safety in the province. Following the Interim Approach to…
In February 2025, the B.C. government launched a review of BC Timber Sales (BCTS) to ensure British Columbia’s forestry sector is continually evolving to overcome challenges and create a guideline for a stronger, more resilient future. An expert task force was assigned to support the review and included First Nation RPF, Lenny Joe, member of…
At the recent BCCFA Annual Conference held in Nanaimo at the end of May 2025, Khowutzun Forest Services (KFS) hosted participants on a field tour through traditional Quw’utsun territory. Attendees learned about a successful thinning initiative and were guided by community members in exploring traditional plants and their cultural and medicinal uses. KFS continues to…
In November 2023, the Pressy Lake Pilot Project was launched near 70 Mile House in B.C.’s Cariboo region, aimed at rehabilitating forests damaged by wildfire. The project’s dual focus was to recover dead fibre from older burn sites and improve the landscape’s resilience to future wildfires. The Elephant Hill wildfire of 2017 scorched over 191,000…
The BC Timber Sales (BCTS) Review has been a major focus this year. Our CEO, Lennard Joe (Suxʷsxʷwels), was asked by the Province to serve on the BCTS Task Force not in his role as CEO, but as a First Nations forester with more than 30 years of experience in the sector. Since January, the…
We welcome the federal government’s recognition of the forest sector as a vital part of Canada’s future. First Nations are in a unique position to help lead this transformation. Reconciliation efforts in BC have created a foundation of readiness. Through shared decision-making and revenue sharing, First Nations have increased capacity and capital to attract investment,…
The BC First Nations Forestry Council acknowledges the concerns raised by Regional Chief Terry Teegee and many First Nations in response to the recent passage of Bills 14 and 15. We continue to engage with the Province and work closely alongside First Nations to understand how these legislative changes impact forestry and to ensure their…
We are closely monitoring the recent U.S. lumber tariffs and their potential impact on our forestry sector. Now, more than ever, we must stand together. We are committed to being in the right rooms, having crucial conversations, and ensuring First Nations can navigate these economic challenges. Our strength is in our unity and collective voice….