April 19, 2022 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Western Forest Products Inc. (“Western” or the “Company”) and Nuchatlaht First Nation (“Nuchatlaht”) confirm that Nuchatlaht has formally discontinued its claim against Western in its Aboriginal title case currently underway in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. On April 5, 2022, Nuchatlaht filed a Notice of Discontinuance with the Court, ending all proceedings against Western.

Nuchatlaht Chief Jordan Michael acknowledged that, during the five years of proceedings leading up to the trial, Western never disputed Nuchatlaht’s claim of Aboriginal title to their lands on Nootka Island, and expressed appreciation for the fact that Western will not seek court costs for its participation in the case to date. “Our main fight has always been with the Province, who continues to deny our title. We’ve worked constructively with Western in the past, and hope to do so again in the future.”

“Building mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations based on respect and understanding is a core value at Western,” said Don Demens, Western’s President and CEO. “We recognize the fundamental importance of reconciliation in B.C. and we look forward to building upon our relationship with Nuchatlaht going forward.”

About Nuchatlaht First Nation
Nuchatlaht is a small community located approximately 3 hours west of Campbell River in a remote portion of Vancouver Island. It is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council which consists of 14 communities along the western portion of Vancouver Island. Nuchatlaht has a total membership of approximately 162.