Lac Seul First Nation is the first Ontario community to receive an enhanced forest resource licence to harvest and manage its local forest.
The Ontario government announced July 31 that Obishikokaang Resources, a forest management corporation owned by Lac Seul, received a licence which enables it to participate in negotiations about a new tenure model for Crown forest.
The release said it will help the community gain practical experience in forest management while creating jobs.
The agreement was actually signed with the Ministry of Natural Resources in June.
The enhanced forest licence is valid for five years.
“The opportunity to participate in the management of the Lac Seul forest is a great day for our people, as we have been waiting for over a hundred years to have a greater say in the management of our lands,” said Chief Clifford Bull.
Natural resources minister Michael Gravelle said the arrangement gives Lac Seul a greater say in local forest management planning.
“The ministry looks forward to working with Obishikokaang, Lac Seul First Nation and the other partners toward the success of this initiative.”
Lac Seul is 38 km northwest of Sioux Lookout and is comprised of the three communities of Kejick Bay, Whitefish Bay and Frenchman's Head.
Obishikokaang, which is expected to create six full-time jobs, recently signed an agreement with Domtar.
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