The transfer of forest tenure from major licensees to First Nations has become increasingly common in BC. These transfers range from partial, joint venture-style agreements to full transfers towards the Nations. Despite having an equivalent AAC, the Nations receiving the tenure may approach management of such tenure differently than previous tenure holders.

Tiičma Enterprises (a local economy for Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations (Kyuquot/Checleseht First Nations / KCFN) and Interfor will provide a tenure transfer case study to highlight the evolution of the transfer process and associated challenges and opportunities.

Tenure transfer has the capability to change forest management, social licence, and community engagement on forest tenure. As tenure transfer will likely occur more frequently in the future, it is important for forest professionals to have foundational knowledge on the subject.

Panel members will share their experiences on how the tenure transfer benefited their communities, how tenure-holdings and forest management allow for community goals and objectives to be met, and how changes have led to sustainable changes in the values for which the tenure is managed.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will learn about:

• Risks involved in acquisition of tenure for KCFN and Interfor.
• The effects of tenure transfer on harvest.
• How the tenure transfer has led to differences in forest management.
• The negotiation process and alignment on outcomes.
• Existing tenure obligations, including an explanation of existing tenure liabilities and their consequences on the tenure transfer.

• Barriers within the tenure transfer process.
• The social and economic benefits of the tenure transfer for KCFN.

Moderator: Kerri Simmons, RPF