May 5, 2021 – Port Alberni, British Columbia – TFL 44 LP (a limited partnership between Huu-ay-aht First Nations-owned Huumiis Ventures Limited Partnership and Western Forest Products Inc.) is aware of incidents involving a contractor crew and protestors in the area of TFL 44. This incident is very serious and will be investigated to the fullest extent. TFL 44 LP has taken the following immediate actions:
Notifications and Investigative Actions:
- The RCMP and WorkSafe BC have been notified.
- The Contractor has been instructed to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
- A respected third party, with an extensive history in multi-party engagement and fact-based incident investigation, will be retained as an independent special advisor to TFL 44 LP. The Special Advisor’s mandate will be to review the incident, meet those involved who are willing to be interviewed, and prepare a report with recommendations as soon as practicable on how to balance continued safe forestry operations with individuals exercising their right to legal protests, all in accordance with Huu-ay-aht’s three sacred principles ʔiisaak (Utmost Respect), ʔuuʔałuk (Taking Care of), and Hišuk ma c̕awak (Everything is Connected).
Operational Actions:
4. Harvesting in the area of the incident has been paused pending the outcome of investigations and their review by the TFL 44 LP General Manager and Board.
5. Today, all TFL 44 LP contractors and their crews have received a special briefing on the critical importance of adhering to forestry operations safety and public protest protocols.
Engagement Actions:
6. TFL 44 LP will convene a meeting of the TFL 44 LP Board with Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht, and Pacheedaht First Nations as soon as practicable to provide an update on the incident and seek their input on further steps to be taken.
7. TFL 44 LP is engaging with the United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 to ensure their full involvement in the investigation.
TFL 44 LP will be working swiftly to implement this action plan and will provide regular updates.