Collaboration with Tsawak-qin Forestry supports Indigenous-led resource management vision
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 27, 2024
[Courtenay, British Columbia]: Fall River Logging, a division of Meraki Resources, today announced a new collaboration with Tsawak-qin Forestry Limited Partnership (C̕awak ʔqin Forestry). This relationship will expand Fall River’s operations and intends to include training opportunities leveraging Meraki training programs developed for First Nation capacity building.
Fall River is operationalizing new activities in the Port Alberni Valley in collaboration with Tsawak-qin Forestry. This latest venture marks a significant step forward as the company takes on the Yarding, Processing, Loading, and Trucking phases of the Woodlands contract. With Tsawak-qin, Fall River aims to drive a positive and mutually rewarding operation that will deliver long-term benefits for Tsawak-qin Forestry, employees, suppliers, and surrounding communities.
“We are excited to contribute to sustainable growth in the region and continue fostering valuable relationships with our partners, customers, and the local community.,” says Matt Enns, General Manager of Fall River Logging. “Fall River will expand its operational team to accommodate this new project while staying true to its core values. We maintain our current operations and remain committed to our existing customers and partners as we expand.”
“Meraki is excited about the new operations and expanding our work with Tsawak-qin.,” says Kevin Playfair, VP of Operations, South at Meraki Resources. “This opportunity is aligned with our commitment to implementing Section 92 of the Calls to Action “Business Reconciliation” within our divisions as shared in our Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan.”
“We are pleased to welcome Fall River Logging and the increased capacity and experience they bring to the Navalign group in TFL 44, as well as their long-standing approach to supporting Indigenous participation in their business,” says Geoff Payne, General Manager of C̕awak ʔqin Forestry. “We look forward to working with Fall River Logging and all interested parties as together we advance the Nation-led integrated resource management plan for TFL 44.”
“Our union has always been committed to advancing the interests of our members while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, and we look forward to working closely with Fall River to ensure that our shared values of respect, fairness, and mutual growth are at the forefront of our relationship.,” says Brian Butler, President, United Steel Workers, Local 1-1937. “Together, we will strive to build a strong foundation based on open communication, transparency, and a shared commitment to success. This new chapter presents us with the chance to create meaningful progress, not only for our members but in our relationships with Tsawak-qin, Fall River and the entire community we serve. We are eager to bring our collective strengths to the table and work hand in hand with the Fall River team to achieve our common goals.”
About
About Fall River Logging: Fall River Logging has a long history of effective, efficient, and safe harvesting, trucking, and road building for most of the major operators on Vancouver Island. As part of Meraki Resources, the company has successfully been in business in BC for almost 50 years and on Vancouver Island and the surrounding area, operating as Fall River Logging for the last 15 years. Fall River’s primary operating areas are Comox, Campbell River, Port Alberni and the Qathet Region of the Sunshine Coast. We recognize that our operations occur on the unceded and traditional territories of many coastal First Nations.
About Meraki Resources: Meraki Resources is a group of diverse businesses that offer land and resource management services to First Nations, including forestry management and operations, civil construction, and heavy-duty mechanical services in British Columbia and Alberta.
About Tsawak-qin Forestry: C̕awak ʔqin Forestry (Tsawak-qin Forestry Limited Partnership) operates TFL 44 and is a limited partnership between Huumiis Ventures Limited Partnership (wholly owned by Huu-ay-aht First Nations) and Western Forest Products Inc. TFL 44 covers roughly 137,000 hectares of land on west central Vancouver Island in the vicinity of Alberni Inlet and Great Central Lake. More information about the Company’s ground-breaking initiatives can be found here.
Related links
Meraki Resources Economic Reconciliation First Nations Led Information