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Vancouver Island First Nations gain control of three Clayoquot Sound forestry areas

The Ahousaht First Nation and two partner nations secured management of about 52,000 hectares in Clayoquot Sound through an agreement with the British Columbia government and forest company MaMook Natural Resources.
The arrangement builds on a 2024 agreement protecting about 76,000 hectares and required over a decade of negotiations to align the interests of the three First Nations, MaMook, and the province.
Atleo noted that historical logging left a "bit of a mess," requiring extensive restoration work to correct liabilities and restore salmon habitat; Nature United provided financial support for the transition emphasizing ecosystem-based forestry.
Hesquiaht Chief Mariah Charleson said her nation must consult community members on next steps for the new licence, noting restored access to closed roads is vital for harvesting medicines and reconnecting with territory.
Although the transfer marks a major milestone, Atleo cautioned the celebration is "brief," emphasizing that "decades and decades" of work remain to correct environmental liabilities left by past logging practices.

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