Vanderhoof, Saik’uz Nation push for local control of forestry decisions

“Our responsibility to these forests has never changed, but the forests themselves have,” Mueller said. “Across the region, we have witnessed the impacts of mountain pine beetle, wildfires, decades of harvesting and a changing climate.”

Mueller said the region’s forests have changed significantly over the past 20 years, and decision-makers need to recognize and respond to these changes.

“The forests are not what they were 20 years ago, and that reality must be reflected in the decisions being made today,” she said.

Mueller made it clear that Saik’uz does not oppose forestry. She said the Nation wants forestry decisions to consider current forest conditions, local knowledge, and long-term sustainability.

“This is not about opposing forestry,” she said. “Many Indigenous and non-Indigenous families rely on forestry for their livelihoods, and we want those opportunities to continue for generations to come.”

Mueller said the Nation has spent years creating a land-use plan that uses traditional knowledge, science, and technical skills. She said their research shows the remaining fibre supply is limited, so it should be managed carefully to protect both the forests and the local. She said the province now has a chance to work more closely with local governments and First Nations in decision-making.

“The information exists. The expertise exists. And also the partnership exists today,” Mueller said. “Saik’uz First Nation and the District of Vanderhoof are standing together because we share a common goal: healthy forests, strong local communities and a sustainable forest sector that truly benefits the people who live here.”

Vanderhoof Mayor Kevin Moutray said local governments and First Nations should get back more control over forestry decisions.

“A big part of the message was returning decision-making on the land base to local government, to First Nations, to those that are here looking at it,” Moutray said.

Moutray said Saik’uz has created a risk-ranking system, and the District of Vanderhoof is now using it in its community forest. This system looks at current impacts on the land, the importance of different areas, and where it is or isn’t suitable to harvest.

He also mentioned ongoing problems in the forestry sector, such as damage from the mountain pine beetle and mill closures in the area.

Moutray said communities want changes so that fibre supplies can support local businesses.

“The big thing is that social licence piece again, that if a company leaves, then the tenure should not leave with them or they shouldn’t retain it,” he said.

Both leaders said they are committed to working together on a shared land-use plan. They want forestry decisions to help keep forests healthy and support sustainable communities for future generations.

by Dave Branco

Vanderhoof, Saik’uz Nation push for local control of forestry decisions

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