West Fraser and Lake Babine Nation Partner for Sustainable Forestry in B.C.

West Fraser Timber Co. and Lake Babine Nation Forestry Limited Partnership have strengthened their partnership in British Columbia's forest sector with the approval of a new First Nations Woodland Licence. The licence was created from timber tenures contributed by both parties and will be held by LBN Forestry, owned by Lake Babine Nation. This collaboration reflects a new model for timber tenures and collaboration in the forest sector, ensuring sustainable forestry practices, economic development, and long-term fibre security.

West Fraser Timber Co. and Lake Babine Nation Forestry Limited Partnership (LBN Forestry) have bolstered their collaboration in British Columbia's forest sector with the approval of a new First Nations Woodland Licence. The licence, created from timber tenures contributed by both parties, will be held by LBN Forestry, which is owned by Lake Babine Nation [1].

The new licence, announced by the Government of British Columbia, marks a significant milestone in the partnership between West Fraser and LBN Forestry. It reflects a new model for timber tenures and collaboration in the forest sector, emphasizing sustainable forestry practices, economic development, and long-term fibre security [1].

Chief Wilf Adam of Lake Babine Nation underscored the significance of the partnership, stating, "Forestry is not just an industry for us; it is part of our identity and traditions. This partnership with West Fraser brings broader economic opportunities and ensures the integrity of our lands for future generations" [1].

Sean McLaren, President and CEO of West Fraser, highlighted the mutual benefits of the collaboration. "This milestone recognizes Lake Babine Nation's role as the resource steward in its traditional territory and reflects our shared commitment to sustainable forestry," he said [1].

The new licence builds on two previous agreements: a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) signed in April 2024, and a Log Supply and Forest Management Agreement (LSFMA) signed in January 2025 [1, 2]. West Fraser will provide forest stewardship services to LBN Forestry to manage the area-based licence, aligning with the Nation's stewardship values and territorial vision [1, 2].

The partnership aims to strengthen BC's forest sector by combining Indigenous knowledge with modern forestry practices. It supports long-term fibre security and economic development in the region, while addressing challenges such as regulatory complexity and Indigenous reconciliation requirements [2].

Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, noted, "This on-the-ground collaboration between Lake Babine Nation, West Fraser, and the Province is an opportunity to create jobs and strengthen our forest economy" [1].

West Fraser's contribution of portions of its licence volume from the Bulkley and Morice Timber Supply Areas, along with additional volume from the Government-held BC Timber Sales, has helped enhance the licence's scope and potential impact [1].

This innovative tenure arrangement could serve as a template for other forestry companies operating on traditional Indigenous territories, demonstrating a methodical, phased approach to collaboration [2].

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lake-babine-nation-and-west-fraser-partnership-strengthens-bcs-forest-sector-302513355.html
[2] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/WFG/lake-babine-nation-and-west-fraser-partnership-strengthens-b-c-s-lpoz0gfynwlq.html