The Saik'uz First Nation have signed an agreement to supply timber to the Nechako Lumber Co. Ltd.
Under the agreement, 200,000 cubic metres per year of timber will be provided to the Nechako Sawmill just west of Vanderhoof. It adds up to about 3,000 truckloas and represents about 25 per cent of the sawmill's needs.
The agreement is for 10 years and comes after a 20-year agreement expired with 2018.
"The agreement helps to secure the livelihood of many Saik'uz members and their families who rely on Nechako Lumber for employment," Saik'uz First Nation Chief Jackie Thomas said. in a press release issued this week.
"Equally important for our community is how the agreement respects Saik'uz environmental stewardship over the land and water that our people rely on for food and traditional purposes."
Currently, over 25 Saik'uz members work in Nechako's operations and the agreement commits to significantly increasing this number.
