The Province, the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council and seven Carrier Sekani First Nations have completed an agreement that will increase the First Nations’ participation in the forest economy, while setting the stage to advance reconciliation. Whubats’ut’en Nus Whetee Agreement – the Interim Pathway Forward Agreement – sets out commitments between B.C. and Carrier Sekani First Nations to jointly improve stewardship, business and job opportunities in the forestry sector. The agreement includes measures to support Carrier Sekani forestry, business development and partnerships, and deeper participation in forest-resource management and environmental stewardship. Joint initiatives in the agreement will seek to boost the skilled labour force and promote new partnership opportunities between Carrier Sekani and non-Carrier Sekani forestry operators, as well as providing stability and operational predictability on the land base across north-central British Columbia. The Interim Pathway Forward Agreement also establishes a forum for B.C. and Carrier Sekani First Nations to explore reconciliation approaches. Both will work together to develop the outline of a potential long-term reconciliation agreement that addresses the economic, social, cultural and environmental interests of the First Nations, the role of Canada, and facilitates ongoing reconciliation between the Crown and Carrier Sekani First Nations. Nadleh Whut’en, Nak’azdli Whut’en, Saik’uz, Stellat’en, Takla Lake, Tl’azt’en, Burns Lake (Ts’il Kaz Koh) First Nations, and the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council are signatories to the Interim Pathway Forward Agreement, which has a one-year term with options for renewal. The combined traditional territories of the Carrier Sekani First Nations accounts for approximately 78,000 square kilometres (7.8 million hectares) in north-central B.C. The population of the Carrier Sekani communities is more than 10,000 people living on- and off-reserve, including in Takla Lake, Tachie, Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Prince George, and Vancouver. Carrier Sekani Tribal Council: carriersekani.ca – files from Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
