'Namgis Forest Planning

“Pushed completely from British Columbia during the last glacial advance, the adaptable Elk re-populated both the wet coast and dry interior after the ice melted.”

Tlawals (roosevelt elk) hold deep cultural, ecological, and historical significance for ‘Namgis. As one of largest members of the deer family, they have shown us their resilience since arriving on Vancouver Island after the last glaciation. Thriving in a variety of habits, from dense old-growth rainforests in Vancouver Island to grassy interior valleys, Tlawals are drawn to areas where winter snow stays shallow, allowing for year-round foraging.

Despite their adaptability and growing populations, members have identified Tlawals as one of their top three species of concern. For generations, Tlawals have and continue to provide sustenance (food, social, and ceremonial) to ‘Namgis. Additionally, they are vital to the local ecosystem, recovering biodiversity as prey for predators and shaping plant growth through grazing.

In recent years, ‘Namgis has witnessed a decrease in Tlawals population in the Bonanza area, which serves as an important seasonal range for calf protection and rearing. To support the future health of Tlawals population and their habitat, the T’łuładi technical team will be working to ensure their population can thrive.

Tlawals facts:

• Population: Roughly 3,000-3,500 on Vancouver Island
• Weight: Largest and heaviest elk in North America, with the ability to weigh over 1,000 lbs
• Features: Brownish coat with a dark mane and white rump patch, and large forked antlers (in males). Both males and females have "elk tusks" (rounded upper canine teeth)!
• Age: Ability to live 15+ years in the wild
• Food: Diet consists of sedges, grasses, ferns, browse from willows, elderberries, cedar, and hemlock
• Habitat: Found in rainforests, grassy valleys, riparian zones, and subalpine meadows.

Have more questions about Tlwalas or the T’łuładi project? Email Brian Svanvik at Brian.Svanvik@namgis.bc.ca in the Natural Resources Department.

The T’łuładi Project is a continuation of the work we began with the Gwa’ni Project and the Forest Landscape Plan Pilot, where we heard about members’ values and priorities when it comes to forest planning. We want to continue those conversations, and learn about the specific priorities that ‘Namgis have in the Bonanza area.

Below is a list of the land use planning values that were developed through community engagement in 2021-2024. Together, these values represent the different considerations that will guide the T’łuładi Project.

• Access
• Aquatic habitat and fish
• Biodiversity
• Cedar
• Climate resilience and carbon
• Culture
• Karst
• Minerals
• ‘Namgis Forest Values
• Non-timber forest products
• Recreation
• Soil
• Timber
• Tourism
• Visuals
• Water
• Wildlife

During the T’łuładi Project, we will be continuing to engage with members about the importance of these values, and any others that are key within the Bonanza area.

Have any more questions about the Land Use Planning values or the T’łuładi Project? Email Brian Svanvik at Brian.Svanvik@namgis.bc.ca in the Natural Resources Department.

The T’łuładi landscape planning project ensures that ‘Namgis is making decisions about forestry within the Bonanza area. The plan builds on the planning values and interests shared by members during the Gwa’ni Project in 2021-2024, which are guiding good forest stewardship and sustainable resource management.

Want to know more about the T’łuładi Project and what you can expect? The T’łuładi Project FAQ answers common questions about the project, its importance to ‘Namgis, and how feedback from members will be included in the planning process.

Have any more questions about the T’łuładi Project? Email Brian Svanvik at Brian.Svanvik@namgis.bc.ca in the Natural Resources Department.

‘Namgis First Nation is currently working on a collaborative forest planning project with Mosaic Forest Management which focuses on sustainable forest management based in shared values and interests. The name of this new project is T’łuładi which means "having elk".

During ‘Namgis comprehensive community planning, we heard from members that developing a territorial plan and ensuring that ‘Namgis is making all decisions about the use of land within the territory is crucial. This project is one of the ways we are fulfilling this commitment.

In the coming months, the T’łuładi technical team will engage with members to build on the work we began through the Gwa’ni Project, which focused on understanding ‘Namgis members' values and priorities related to forest planning. ‘Namgis is looking to continue those discussions and learn more about the specific priorities in the Bonanza area.

The T’łuładi Project will result in a final plan intended to define objectives and strategies to inform good forest stewardship and sustainable resource management of the portion of Tree Farm License 47 (TFL 47) that overlaps with ‘Namgis Territory on northern Vancouver Island. This commitment aims to increase the effectiveness, transparency and clarity of improved resource management in the area of TFL 47 in the territory.

The collaborative planning process will focus on the long-term sustainability of diverse values and interests, including forests, wildlife, fish habitat, karst, and archaeological features, for the benefit of future generations. It will remain consistent with the spirit of ‘Namgis Forest Values, reconciliation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).

The T’łuładi Project represents a positive step towards collaboration, recognizing ‘Namgis governance of the territory and its resources and the incorporation of ‘Namgis approaches to good forest stewardship and economic stability within the North Island.

We will continue to use this ‘Namgis Forest Planning online engagement hub to share updates about the project, invite members to participate in online engagement activities, and to share information about upcoming community engagement events!

You may also email Brian Svanvik at Brian.Svanvik@namgis.bc.ca in the Natural Resources Department for further information about events and updates.

This infographic summarizes the results of the Gwa’ni Project and FLP, and the changes coming as a result of the work. Check it out by clicking here!

During engagements, 'Namgis members have shared that they don’t always know where to access cedar and other medicinal plants like Devil's Club in the Nimpkish Valley.

Both red and yellow cedar can be found abundantly throughout the Nimpkish Valley. Generally, cedar thrives in moist environments and often in the shade of other trees. These optimal growth conditions support the development of healthy and vibrant cedar trees. When exploring the Nimpkish Valley, keep an eye out for areas with these characteristics!

Explore the Gwa’ni Project Engagement Site to learn more about what the Technical Team has been up to, and what is coming next for the Gwa’ni Project!

During community engagements, 'Namgis members shared about the many ways cedar is important in their lives. In response to this feedback, cedar has been added as a planning value of the Gwa’ni Project, helping to shape the ways that the project and its consensus recommendations strikes a balance between various land use planning considerations.

In the context of the Gwa’ni Project, cedar – wilkw, which is considered the “tree of life”, provides all its parts such as roots, bark, wood, and branches for use within ‘Namgis culture. It is the official tree of the Province and is a valuable resource throughout B.C.

This infographic shares all of the land use planning values guiding the Gwa’ni Project, including the newly added cedar value. Together, these values represent the different considerations that are guiding the project's decisions and actions.

The Gwa'ni Project is proposing the creation of the Gwa’ni Special Management Zone (SMZ). Special Management Zones are intended to prioritize other values and ecological integrity over timber. To help achieve these outcomes, we are proposing redesigning and increasing the amount of special management zones in the Nimpkish Valley to prioritize ecological integrity over forestry.

Strategies developed through the FLP, considered within the special management zone, will include:

• Smaller harvest areas
• Increased retention (more trees and patches left standing)
• Longer rotation between harvest (allowing trees to grow older before harvest)
• No herbicide use for forestry purposes
• Ending clearcut harvest (instead use retention silviculture systems and alternative approaches)

Through the Gwa’ni Project engagements, we have also heard concerns regarding the health and availability of cedar for future generations, given the cultural importance cedar holds. One of the goals of the SMZ is to allow more time for cedar to grow naturally and allowing it to take its time to grow.

‘Namgis forest values, trees, and plants are important elements being considered by the ‘Namgis Technical Team.

‘Namgis forest values are encompassing the duty to ensure that the cultural, environmental and spiritual vitality of the waters, lands, and resources are protected and used sustainably for future generations of people, plants and animals.

One of the very important forest species that is currently being discussed is cedar. Both red and yellow cedar live and thrive within various parts of ‘Namgis territory, and the roots, bark, wood, and branches of cedar trees are used for everyday uses as well as for ceremonial purposes.

Generally, cedar grows best in moist environments and when beneath the shade of other trees. These conditions allow for the trees to maintain healthy populations for generations of ‘Namgis to be able to sustainably harvest and use the bark for all different purposes.

Have any more questions about the Gwa’ni Project and Forest Landscape Plan? Email Brian Svanvik at Brian.Svanvik@namgis.bc.ca in the Natural Resources Department.