West Chilcotin Forest Products: A joint venture defies the odds in B.C.'s troubled forest industry.

Abstract

Since 1995, the inhabitants of Nimpo and Anahim lakes in the Chilcotin region of west-central British Columbia have found a way to run a logging and manufacturing business that respects First Nations traditional territory, the environment, social equity, and the need for profits and jobs. The resulting joint venture combines private and community ownership and is a solid example of crafting an enterprise based on local solidarity. It demonstrates the critical role of co-operation to achieve access to the forest resource, sufficient financing, and solid management.