A commitment from the Quw’utsun Nation and the Municipality of North Cowichan to discuss co-management of the Municipal Forest Reserve lands

The Quw'utsun Nation (Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, and Stz'uminus First Nation) and the Municipality of North Cowichan are pleased to announce a significant step towards the shared stewardship of the Municipal Forest Reserve (MFR). Recognizing the importance of sustainable forest management, the preservation of this important natural resource, and the cultural importance of these lands to Quw'utsun Mustimuhw (Cowichan Peoples), both parties have committed to working together to establish a co-management framework and plan. Quw'utsun Nation Chiefs and Councillors and North Cowichan Mayor and Council met in November 2023 at the Halalt First Nation gym to share knowledge, history and to build relationships.

• Read: April 17, 2024 Report to Council
• Learn more: Public engagement on the Municipal Forest Reserve Review (concluded in 2023)

This commitment represents a significant step toward advancing reconciliation through recognition of the role the Quw'utsun Nation, as stewards of these lands since time immemorial, and a path forward in the spirit and intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This partnership is guided by mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to the well-being of the forest and to balance environmental conservation, the preservation of cultural heritage, and shared economic benefit.

In addition to working together on a co-management framework, progress was also made on investigating a shared forest carbon credit program in the MFR, continued dialogue on future trail development, direct awarding of silviculture contracting to qualified Quw'utsun Nation companies, and a fulsome review and mapping for the protection of culturally sensitive areas.

Quote from Mayor Rob Douglas:

"This commitment marks a pivotal moment in our shared journey towards environmental stewardship, and to reconciliation. We are stronger together as we take these meaningful steps toward a sustainable, resilient, and shared future for all."

Quote from Chief Cindy Daniels:

"Cowichan Tribes, along with the other Quw'utsun Nation communities, is looking forward to working more closely with North Cowichan to take up our stewardship responsibilities within our ancestral territory."

While the work on establishing a co-management framework and developing a plan is underway, North Cowichan will suspend all new decisions or initiatives related to the MFR. Ongoing forest related work such as FireSmart mitigation, danger tree assessments and removals, storm clean up, silviculture activities, and invasive plant management will continue as required.

The Quw'utsun Nation (Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, and Stz'uminus First Nation) and the Municipality of North Cowichan entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2021. The MOU outlines the establishment of a Municipal Forest Reserve Working Group to share information in relationship to the stewardship and use of the MFR. The Working Group has met eight times, with ensuing discussions covering several topics pertaining directly and indirectly to the MFR. The Working Group has recommended the MOU be reviewed and updated in light of these discussions, and progress toward a co-management framework.