Tla’amin Nation's $80M Deal Reclaims Forest, Forges New Industry Path

TLA’AMIN TERRITORY, BC – February 19, 2026 – By Sandra Patterson

A landmark $80 million agreement will return a vast expanse of traditional forest land to the stewardship of the Tla’amin Nation, marking one of the most significant acts of economic reconciliation and Indigenous-led resource management in British Columbia's history. Western Forest Products Inc. has agreed to sell its entire Stillwater Forest Operation to Qwoqwnes Forestry Holdings, an entity wholly owned by the Tla’amin Nation.

The deal transfers control of approximately 154,000 hectares of forest land—Block 1 of Tree Farm Licence 39 (TFL 39)—to the Nation. For a community whose connection to the land spans millennia, the transaction is more than a commercial acquisition; it is a profound reclamation. For over a century, decisions about these forests were made without Tla’amin consent. Now, the Nation is poised to manage them for the first time, guided by their own laws and values.

“This acquisition brings another 43% of Tla’amin territory back under our stewardship and control,” said Tla’amin Hegus and Economic Development Board member John Hackett. “We look forward to reconnecting with this vast part of our territory and managing the lands according to Tla’amin teachings and values and for the benefit of future generations.”

Stewardship Rooted in Tradition

The Tla’amin Nation’s approach to forestry is fundamentally different from conventional industrial models. It is guided by their traditional teachings, known as taʔow, and a deep-seated respect for the natural world, encapsulated in the word “jej jeh,” which means both “relative” and “tree.”

Thichum Forest Products, the Tla’amin-owned company that will manage the operation, is built on a “quadruple bottom line” that gives equal weight to social, economic, environmental, and cultural outcomes. This philosophy is embedded in the Nation’s comprehensive Forest Resource Plan (FRP), a 300-year strategy developed with extensive community input. The plan, which exceeds provincial and federal conservation standards, is designed to protect cultural values, enhance ecosystem integrity, and ensure the resilience of the forest for the next seven generations.

“This acquisition is a strong fit with our Quadruple Bottom Line approach and sets Thichum up for long-term success,” said Adam Culos, General Manager of Thichum Forest Products. “It means value-added manufacturing in the community, good local jobs, and stronger economic returns for the region. At the same time, it reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship, community well-being, and respecting our cultural responsibilities to the land.”

As a self-governing modern treaty nation since 2016, the Tla’amin have their own constitution and law-making authority. Their Tla’amin Forest Law provides a robust framework for managing forest resources, balancing economic development with the crucial goals of protection and restoration. This legal foundation offers a streamlined and certain path for economic activity within their territory.

Reshaping BC's Forest Industry

For Western Forest Products, the sale represents a strategic pivot rather than an exit. The deal includes a long-term fibre supply agreement, ensuring that timber harvested from TFL 39 will continue to flow to Western’s coastal manufacturing facilities. This move allows the company to secure a stable supply chain while shifting its capital focus.

“This announcement represents another significant step forward in Western’s commitment to forging mutually beneficial business relationships that align our business needs with the stewardship and economic development aspirations of Indigenous communities,” said Steven Hofer, Western’s President and CEO. He noted the transaction supports the company’s strategy of accelerating its transition to higher-value products while maintaining a strong balance sheet.

The proceeds from the $80 million sale are expected to help reduce debt and fund investments in advanced manufacturing, such as new continuous dry kilns designed to increase the output of profitable, higher-value lumber products. This model—partnering with First Nations for fibre security while concentrating on specialized, value-added manufacturing—is becoming an increasingly attractive strategy for major forestry companies in the province.

The agreement operates within a provincial policy landscape transformed by the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Enacted in 2019, DRIPA provides a framework for reconciliation that encourages joint decision-making and consent-based agreements, creating a more transparent and predictable environment for partnerships like the one between Western and the Tla’amin Nation.

A Blueprint for Reconciliation and Prosperity

While historic in its scale for the Tla’amin Nation, this agreement is part of a growing national movement toward Indigenous-led resource management. Across Canada, Indigenous peoples now manage over 17 million hectares of forest land, an increase of 135% since 2003, often through partnerships that blend traditional ecological knowledge with modern sustainable practices.

Examples of this trend can be seen in Saskatchewan, where the Meadow Lake Tribal Council co-owns a major sawmill, and in BC's interior, where the Westbank First Nation’s Ntityix Resources operates under a “Seven Generations Plan.” These initiatives demonstrate that economic prosperity and cultural stewardship can be mutually reinforcing.

The Stillwater deal is poised to deliver significant benefits to the broader qathet region around Powell River. By focusing on local value-added manufacturing and good jobs, the Tla’amin Nation aims to create a more resilient and inclusive regional economy. The partnership model ensures continued operation for one of the region’s major industrial players while grounding forestry practices in long-term sustainability.

As the transaction moves toward its expected closing this year, subject to regulatory approvals, it stands as a powerful testament to a new era in Canadian forestry. This collaborative approach, which honors Indigenous rights and stewardship while meeting the strategic needs of industry, offers a compelling blueprint for a future where economic reconciliation fosters prosperity for all.