A community celebration was held in Campbell River today to mark the beginning of a newly formed forestry partnership between the Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks First Nations (all member First Nations of the Nanwakolas Council) and Western. The celebration follows last week’s completion of the previously announced agreement for the Nations to acquire a 34% interest from Western in a newly formed Limited Partnership.

The partnership has been given the name La-kwa sa muqw Forestry (pronounced la-KWAH-sa-mook), which means ‘the wood of four’ in the Kwak’wala language. The partnership logo, designed by local artist Diego Matilpi, was also unveiled at the event hosted in the Wei Wai Kum First Nation’s Kwanwatsi Big House.

Pictured Left to Right: Dallas Smith, President of the Nanwakolas Council; Tlowitsis First Nation Chief John Smith; Steven Hofer, President and CEO of Western Forest Products; MLA Michelle Babchuk; K’ómoks First Nation Chief Ken Price, We Wai Kai First Nation Chief Ronnie Chickite, Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston, Premier David Eby, Wei Wai Kum Chief Chris Roberts.

Event participants take part in celebrating milestone in landmark forestry partnership.