VANCOUVER, BC (News release) -- West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. and the Lake Babine Nation Forestry Limited Partnership (LBN Forestry) welcomed the announcement by the Government of British Columbia approving the creation of a new First Nations Woodland Licence in the Smithers area. The licence, 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 licence announced today by the Government of British Columbia marks a key milestone in the growing partnership between West Fraser and LBN Forestry, and 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.

"This partnership embodies what is possible when Indigenous knowledge and modern forestry practices unite--ensuring that our resources are used wisely, our community's benefit, and our environment remains intact. Our Nation has long advocated for meaningful participation in resource management in our territory. With this partnership, we are ensuring that our voices, expertise, and priorities are central to decision-making. By working alongside West Fraser, we are fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and shared goals--one that will strengthen our economic opportunities and secure a sustainable future for Lake Babine and the region as a whole," Adam added.

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

"This achievement would not have been possible without the leadership and the support of government," McLaren added. "By recognizing the importance of fibre security and Indigenous Partnerships, the Province is helping secure the future of B.C.'s forest sector."

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

The licence announced today 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.

"This is a significant forestry partnership in British Columbia," said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. "This on-the-ground collaboration between Lake Babine Nation, West Fraser, and the Province is an opportunity to create jobs and strengthen our forest economy to deliver for people and communities here in B.C."