Tłuładi Project FAQs
What area does the T’łuładi Project cover?
The plan will cover most of the lands, waters, and forests in Kokish Watershed, often called the Bonanza area. Kokish is an anglicized way of saying Ќ’wagis, which means “notched beach,” and is a former village site at the mouth of the Kokish River.
What is the T’łuładi Project all about?
The T’łuładi Project is about working with a forest licensee to improve forestry planning and practices and better enhance biodiversity, preservation of important cultural sites and resources, caves and karst, better protection for fish, and forest cover that provides habitat for animals within the watershed.
How long will this process take?
We expect that this process will take approximately one year and will be completed towards the end of 2025.
Why is this important to ‘Namgis?
During 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 those commitments.
The T’łuładi Project represents a step towards a collaborative relationship between ‘Namgis and Mosaic, and participating in this process has been a step towards restoring our voice and authority over long-term decisions made on behalf of our lands and territories. By participating in this process, ‘Namgis will have more influence over long-term land-use decisions made in our Territory.
We are optimistic about this opportunity to continue the progressive work we are undertaking with other tenure holders operating across our Territory.
How does the T’łuładi Project relate to the work that was previously completed as part of the Gwa’ni Project?
From 2021-2024 ‘Namgis worked in partnership with the BC Government and Western Forest Products to complete the Gwa’ni Project and TFL37 Forest Landscape Plan for the Nimpkish Watershed. This work involved several rounds of community engagement with ‘Namgis, including multiple open houses, focus groups, and a community survey on our land use planning values.
The engagement for the T’łuładi Project is a continuation of the work we began with the Gwa’ni Project, 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.
How is ‘Namgis feedback being included in the planning process?
There is a wealth of existing ‘Namgis reports, engagements, databases and knowledge that we will be using to inform the T’łuładi Project.
Over the next year, all members will have further opportunities to engage in the T’łuładi Project so that the outcomes reflect ‘Namgis values and interests. We will use a virtual engagement hub for ‘Namgis members to go to learn more about the project, receive updates, and participate in interactive engagement activities. We are also planning a community Open House in Spring 2025, where we will share information about the T’łuładi Project and how it relates to other previous/ongoing ‘Namgis forestry activities.
You can learn more about these engagement activities by checking out the ‘Namgis Forestry Planning website at: www.engage.namgis.bc.ca
What comes next?
It is important for the ‘Namgis team to understand the important places and values for members in the Bonanza area, and we will work with Mosaic to ensure ‘Namgis interests are at the core of forest planning into the future.
We want to use what was learned in the Gwa’ni Project, TFL37 FLP process, and the continued member engagement to inform management of resources in the Kokish River Valley. This will include establishing a conservation network where harvesting should not occur to protect important places and resources for future generations. This includes old forests, and also young forests that should be left to become old and not harvested. It will also look at areas where forestry occurs to ensure it is done with a lighter touch and places greater emphasis on protecting natural values through different practices and management strategies.