‘Namgis-B.C. Section 7 Agreement
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Overview
Dates: October 3 to November 2, 2025
Who: ‘Namgis First Nation and the Ministry of Forests and Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
What: ‘Namgis First Nation and the Province are one step closer to a joint decision-making agreement that will support predictable harvesting, job creation and sustainable forestry operations on the North Island.
Where: Nimpkish Valley on northern Vancouver Island
Why: ‘Namgis First Nation and the Province have developed a first-of-its-kind for the forestry sector draft Section 7 joint-decision making agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) and Forest Range and Practices Act. The agreement will support the joint establishment of Forest Landscape Plans (FLPs) and joint approval of associated Forest Operations Plans (FOPs) within Tree Farm Licence (TFL) 37, currently held by Western Forest Products. The draft agreement is now ready to be shared with neighbouring First Nations, industry, local governments, stakeholders and the public to provide input.
How: Online (written submissions to forestlandscapeplanning@gov.bc.ca)
Engagement summary
In April 2024, a negotiation mandate was authorized to initiate work on a joint decision-making agreement between ‘Namgis First Nation and the Province.
- Read the news release announcing the negotiation mandate
The joint decision-making framework is found under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act), which enables the Province and Indigenous governing bodies to enter into agreements that recognize Indigenous jurisdiction and decision-making. In this case, it applies to the area of TFL 37 that overlaps ‘Namgis territory. - Learn more about what is a Section 7 Agreement
The ‘Namgis First Nation and the Province have collaboratively developed a draft Section 7 joint decision-making agreement. This initiative falls under the Declaration Act and the Forest Range and Practices Act. The agreement outlines a shared approach to creating FLPs and jointly approving related FOPs within TFL 37, currently managed by Western Forest Products.
The draft agreement will now be shared with neighbouring First Nations, industry, local governments, stakeholders and the public to provide input from Oct. 3 to Nov. 2, 2025.
- Read the:
- Draft section 7 agreement
- Q&A document to learn more details
- October 3, 2025 News Release announcing the engagement period
How your contribution makes a difference
The Section 7 joint decision-making agreement reflects a meaningful shift toward shared governance, affirming that ‘Namgis First Nation are partners in land-based decisions that directly affect their territories, communities, and futures.
The joint decision-making framework is designed to advance collaboration while:
- Enhancing transparency and accountability;
- Supporting fair and stable administrative processes;
- Providing certainty for industry and enable long-term planning and job creation.
Once feedback is provided it will be harmonized with the agreement and considered for government’s decision during the 2025 fall session.
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