Lac Seul signs historic forestry agreement

In what is being called a historic agreement, Lac Seul First Nation has taken over management of a large swath of forest surrounding the community.
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) executives, crown operators, Domtar representatives, Lac Seul band counsellors and Chief Clifford Bull met June 12 to celebrate the signing of an agreement that will make Lac Seul sustainable forest license holders on an interim basis.
Al Willcocks, regional director of MNR said it was a historic event.
“The First Nation is managing a large forest area, and it’s the first time that’s ever happened,” said Willcocks. “Lac Seul is a very progressive First Nation. It has strong leadership, and I think they’ll do a great job,” said Willcocks.
For their first year, Bob David, MNR’S Sioux Lookout district manager advised for Lac Seul to be cautious as they approach this new economic opportunity.
“It’s early days for us, and there will be a lot of growing pains,” said David. “But I think it’s essential as we move into a modern era.” He added that collaboration and cooperation between industries and First Nations is essential for overall economic prosperity.
David sees this agreement as a primer for other First Nations to start making similar agreements with corporations.
MNR was given the sustainable forest license in 2009 when Buchanan Forest Products Ltd. went bankrupt. Lac Seul applied for the license shortly after.
Their proposal was eventually accepted.
Bull said he looks forward to a great working relationship with the forestry industry.
Lac Seul has also purchased and renovated an old public school in Hudson, where training and job shadowing opportunities will be available for band members.
Bull said that GCK Consulting Ltd. would provide education and support to interested band members – the company is working with Lac Seul First Nation through a one-year contract.
Bull said that Obishikokaang Resources Inc., a Lac Seul corporation, would staff band members who will train younger band members, thus promoting local economy and employment.
“This is a momentous occasion – it’s important we have a say how the land in our territory is used,” said Bull. “It’s about self-determination and self-governance.”
Sam Manitowabi, general manager of economic development for Lac Seul, said the agreement has been in the works for years.
Manitowabi said the band has made an agreement with crown operators to continue to harvest wood and sell it to Domtar.
The community has also signed a memorandum agreement with Domtar Inc., committing to 440,000 cubic meters of wood.
“We’ve assured a revenue source for the year – that’s why it’s significant that it’s happening today,” said Manitowabi.
Jim Blight, general manager of the Domtar pulp mill in Dryden said the meeting was about setting up the wood supply agreement and getting to meet some of the people the company would be working with.
“We’re happy to get it off the ground, and there’ll be a lot of hard work on both our parts to make it successful,” said Blight.
James Ayotte, a crown operator, said that June 12 was a historic day.
“The First Nations now have a large say in what happens with the forest, and they’re responsible for managing it. This event is favourable for everybody in the local area,” said Ayotte.