West Fraser Forges Indigenous Partnership

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. and the Lake Babine Nation Forestry Limited Partnership (LBN Forestry) have shared an announcement by the Government of British Columbia approving the creation of a new First Nations Woodland License in the Smithers area. The license, created from timber tenures contributed by West Fraser and LBN Forestry, will be held by LBN Forestry, which is owned by the Lake Babine Nation.

The creation of the new license marks a milestone in the growing partnership between West Fraser and LBN Forestry, and West Fraser says it reflects a new model for timber tenures and collaboration in B.C.'s forest sector.

"As stewards of our lands since time immemorial, Lake Babine Nation has always recognized the deep responsibility we hold in ensuring our forests are managed with respect and sustainably. For Lake Babine Nation, forestry is not just an industry; it is woven into our identity, our traditions, and our vision for the future. We take another important step forward by formalizing our partnership with West Fraser—a collaboration that will bring broader economic opportunities to our people and region, while protecting the integrity of our lands for future generations," said Chief Wilf Adam, Lake Babine Nation.

To enable the creation of the new tenure, West Fraser contributed portions of its license volume held in the Bulkley and Morice Timber Supply Areas, to help create a meaningful area-based license. Additional volume was made available through the government-held BC Timber Sales, helping enhance the license's scope and potential impact.

"I want to congratulate the Lake Babine Nation on what we have been able to build together," said Sean McLaren, President and CEO of West Fraser. "This milestone recognizes Lake Babine Nation's role as the resource steward in its traditional territory and reflects our shared commitment to sustainable forestry. By working together, we are helping bring greater stability to the forest sector — for our and Lake Babine Nation's employees, contractors and businesses throughout the region."

West Fraser says it will provide forest stewardship services to LBN Forestry to support the management of the new area-based license, in alignment with the Nation's stewardship values and vision for its traditional territory.

The new license partnership builds on two previous agreements: a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) signed in April 2024, and a Log Supply and Forest Management Agreement (LSFMA) signed in January 2025.