Statement re: BC Timber Sales’ Pest Management Plan (PMP)

The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) has heard concerns from Membership and the public about the most recent iteration of a BC Timber Sales’ Pest Management Plan (PMP). The PMP covers BC Timber Sales (BCTS) licenses across part of the Lower Mainland and Sea to Sky region. We wish to provide this information to clarify our understanding of the PMP, and relevant process moving forward.

In Fall 2021, the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) referred the PMP to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw for review and consultation. The Nation expressed concerns about the potential risks to the Nation’s inherent rights to practice its culture, including the gathering of traditional medicines from forests, due to this plan being implemented. After further discussion with FLNRORD staff, Nation staff confirmed that no herbicides have been sprayed within Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Territory or the Sea to Sky district since at least 2012, and there are no upcoming plans to spray.

In late 2021, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw government agreed to the PMP on the condition that BCTS must obtain written consent from Squamish Nation in advance of any chemical prescriptions taking place. Prior to providing consent, staff from Squamish’s Ta na wa Yúus ta Stitúyntsam̓ (Rights & Title) department will review detailed information on the proposed prescription and assess how best to proceed or not.

As a regulator who oversees activities throughout the territory, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw is committed to stewarding our land and water for current and future generations.