First Nations Deepen Collaboration Through Forestry Field Tours
- CentralCR
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Osoyoos and Williams Lake, B.C.: Nk’Mip Forestry (Nk’Mip), the forestry division of Osoyoos Indian Band, and Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR), a joint venture of Tŝideldel First Nation, Tl’etinqox Government, and Yunesit’in Government, recently hosted each other on forestry field tours, strengthening relationships, sharing expertise and technical knowledge, plus exploring opportunities to advance Indigenous-led forestry and land stewardship across their respective territories.
The collaboration began with CCR hosting the Nk’Mip team in the Cariboo Chilcotin region, where teams explored large-scale forest and road rehabilitation sites, wildfire fuel reduction areas, and ecosystem restoration projects. The second tour took place two weeks later on the traditional territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band, where the CCR team had the opportunity to learn about forestry practices and projects shaped by a distinct dryland ecosystem, including an opportunity to visit the future home of the Osoyoos Forest Nursery, which is set to open in the summer of 2026.
Video: Highlights From Both Field Tours
This short video captures key moments from the reciprocal forestry field tours hosted by CCR and Nk’Mip Forestry. Hear directly from leadership as they speak to shared learning, collaboration, and Indigenous-led land stewardship
“These tours create space for our Indigenous-led organizations to learn from one another right on the land,” shared Dan Macmaster, Registered Professional Forester (RPF), and Head of Forestry with Nk’Mip. “Hosting the team from CCR in our lands was a privilege. It allowed us to show the work our Nk’Mip teams are doing to restore forest health and build resiliency, while also hearing how their experiences can help strengthen our own approaches.”
During the field tour in the Cariboo Chilcotin, discussions focused on CCR’s numerous rehabilitation initiatives, wood fibre recovery work, and forestry work designed to build forest resiliency and enhance community safety.
“We appreciated the chance to see CCR’s projects up close,” said Peter Flett, RPF, Head of Operations with Nk’Mip. “Their landscape, challenges, and forestry treatments are different from what we manage in the South Okanagan, but the shared focus on stewardship and long-term thinking was clear. When we walked their territory, we saw the pride they take in forest management with generations in mind.”
Photo 1: CCR’s Percy Guichon on site at the Grizzly Retention project site learning about Nk’Mip Forestry’s work.
Photo 2: View of the Chilcotin slide
Photo 3: Joe Webster of Tsi Del Del Biomass, shares details of the work at the Anah Lake Fuel Break in the Cariboo Chilcotin region.
The visit to Osoyoos Indian Band’s territory with Nk’Mip allowed CCR to observe wildfire recovery work, fuel mitigation treatments, and tree planting efforts guided by Nk’Mip’s cultural and ecological values.
“Visiting Osoyoos Indian Band’s territory gave us a new perspective,” shared Percy Guichon, CEO of CCR. “Their practices reflect generations of knowledge in action. We believe these exchanges strengthen Nation-to-Nation relationships and help all of us become better stewards of our lands. When we learn from each other, we build our collective knowledge and discover innovative ways to work together.”
CCR and Nk’Mip shared that the forestry field tours mark the beginning of ongoing collaboration grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to advancing Indigenous leadership in forestry across British Columbia.
“These tours remind us that even though our territories look different, our goals are the same: healthier forests, safer communities, and strong futures for our Nations,” added Guichon. “We’re all excited for the next opportunities to learn, grow, and work together.”
About Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd.
Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation is a joint venture of Tŝideldel First Nation, Tl’etinqox Government, and Yunesit’in Government. The joint venture was originally formed to address the 100,000 hectares of dead pine left in the Chilcotin region and to rehabilitate those stands into productive forests. The fires in the summer of 2017 amplified the need to address heavily burned forest stands with minimal economic value. CCR’s mission is to coordinate and implement large-scale forestry programs and initiatives within the traditional territories of the Tŝideldel First Nation, Tl’etinqox Government, and Yunesit’in Government, generating economic, social, and environmental benefits.
About Nk’Mip Forestry
Nk’Mip Forestry LLP was formed in 2014 when the Osoyoos Indian Band strategically decided to pull together their forest management efforts toward the rising need for sustainable economic development, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation within the community through forestry. Nk’Mip Forestry is a major contributor to the local economy and is committed to applying Okanagan cultural and environmental values in all operations. Fully OIB-owned, the company ensures that licensed forestry areas are harvested sustainably, using methods that help preserve the forest and all its ecological attributes for future generations.
For an Interview with Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. or Nk’Mip Forestry, contact:
Aleece Laird, Communications Liaison, aleece@amplifyinc.ca, 250.574.0221
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