Dan is a registered professional forester for the Nk’Mip First Nations Woodland Licence since it’s inception in 2018. He works closely with the licencee (Osoyoos Indian Band, OIB) to establish and implement the guiding principles and goals that the OIB envisions. This includes ensuring that multiple objectives are addressed across the tenure is a critical component of all planning, and has given Dan the opportunities to connect with other stakeholders throughout the area as well. By recognizing the rights and management concerns of First Nations, local residents, range holders, woodlot licencees, recreational groups, local community groups and environmental societies, as well as local government in general – Dan has connected and collaborated with a wide diversity of interests. This collaboration ensures that planning and activities on the First Nation Woodland Licence tenure runs smoothly and that the Osoyoos Indian Band has the main voice in the way the forests in their traditional territory are managed.
Dan looks forward to being a director on the BC First Nations Forestry Council Board to learn more from other First Nations tenure holders across the province. “I’m very humbled to be part of this experienced and knowledgeable Forestry Council team, and I look forward to moving our agenda and priorities to the top of the list of changes to forest legislation and policies to increase the role of First Nations as full partners in the BC forest sector.”
