The Snuneymuxw Economic Development Group of Companies has contracted the sale of 40,000 cubic meters of its Mount Benson forest property to Coastland Wood Industries. The multi-million dollar contract includes the offer of a scholarship for forestry related education. The conditions of the bid are an innovative approach to strengthening the relationship between Coastland Wood and the Snuneymuxw First Nations.

Erralyn Thomas, the president of the Band’s economic section, explains that the revenues gained through the deal will help to provide training and education that will foster the vision of a logging company employed by 100 per cent Snuneymuxw. The scholarship will allow the Band to provide hands on experience to its members and will then be able to retain them as employees.

Clint Parcher, Coastland’s vice-president of fibre supply, thinks that there is no better nation to be partnered with than its landlord and neighbour. Long one of their largest employers, he explains that this deal is another building block in the relationship between Coastland and the Snuneymuxw Band.

Coastland Wood Industries has long been a model of environmental sustainability. Efficiently manufacturing valuable products using material that may be seen as waste at other facilities, the new deal will help the community in many different ways. The economic spinoff will make it possible for Erralyn’s new company to develop projects like community housing, education and will be a boon for the entire region.  Follow this link to learn more about the partnership between Coastland Wood Industries and the Snuneymuxw First Nations.