A Shared Vision for Stewardship: The Osoyoos Indian Band and Weyerhaeuser Partnership

Photo: Fuel management and selective cutting maintains the biodiversity and resilience of a forest stand while mitigating the risks of a catastrophic wildfire.

For the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), stewardship of their traditional territory is both a responsibility and an opportunity. Through a landmark partnership with Weyerhaeuser, OIB has taken a co-leadership role in managing Tree Farm Licence (TFL) 59, an area of profound cultural, ecological, and economic significance. Together, they are setting a new standard for sustainable forestry that balances modern practices with traditional knowledge. 

Located east of OIB’s reserve near Oliver, TFL 59 is home to valuable wildlife habitat, essential gathering areas for berries and plants, and sites of cultural significance. The management objectives for this tenure are broad and ambitious: reducing wildfire risk, protecting water resources, enhancing wildlife habitat, increasing forest resiliency and rehabilitating areas impacted by the devastating 2021 wildfires. Every decision within the tenure is guided by OIB’s vision of long-term sustainability and stewardship for future generations. 

“Tree Farm Licence 59 is an important area for the OIB community,” explains Dan Macmaster, Head of Forestry at Nk’Mip Forestry LLP. “Our goal is to properly manage this tenure to address multiple objectives across the landscape, whether it’s fuel mitigation, habitat improvements, or protecting culturally significant areas. Through our partnership with Weyerhaeuser, we’ve ensured that the values and priorities of our community are at the forefront of every decision.” 

L>R: Photo 1: Photo: Salvage logging from the 2021 Nk'Mip Creek wildfire provided the resources and revenue to replant the trees and important shrubs that were lost in the fire.

Photo 2: By thinning the forest we are able to address multiple objectives across the landscape, protect water supplies and improve the resiliency of our forests.

OIB’s role has empowered the community to incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into all aspects of forest management. Layout and development of harvesting permits are carried out by OIB’s forestry company, Siya Forestry, under the guidance of the Lands and Referral Department and Traditional Knowledge Keepers. “Because OIB develops the cut blocks and land management activities, we can ensure that the Band’s values and priorities are reflected in every plan,” Macmaster says. “This is about protecting the OIB’s land and passing that knowledge on to future generations.” 

Weyerhaeuser’s commitment to collaboration has been central to the partnership’s success. Norm Druck and Brian Drobe from Weyerhaeuser emphasized how this partnership reflects the company’s broader values of sustainability and reciprocity. “Partnering with the Osoyoos Indian Band is a positive step forward in developing a collaborative, trusting, and respectful approach to sustainable forestry,” says Norm. “We share a deeply held belief that making responsible decisions today ensures forests will be available for future generations.”

Brian highlights the influence of OIB’s leadership in shaping the forest management approach for TFL 59. “The sharing of traditional knowledge from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members has been instrumental,” he explains. “It allows us to integrate Indigenous stewardship into our plans, ensuring forests continue to support subsistence, economic, and ceremonial practices.” 

Both Osoyoos Indian Band and Weyerhaeuser are optimistic about the future. “This collaboration will lead to a strong, vibrant, and healthy forest that supports the social, cultural, and economic needs of the OIB and the local forest sector,” says Norm. Macmaster agrees, adding, “We hope this association continues to grow, providing opportunities for OIB members as decision-makers, contractors, and stewards of TFL 59.” 

Together, the Osoyoos Indian Band and Weyerhaeuser demonstrate how shared leadership and mutual respect can create a sustainable path forward that protects the land while supporting local communities for generations to come.