Montana First Nation Good Relations Agreement
West Fraser and the Montana First Nation have signed a Good Relations Agreement, setting a formal path to work together cooperatively in a way that protects Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.
The agreement identifies areas of mutual understanding toward developing a long-term, productive and mutually beneficial working relationship based on cooperation, trust, respect, fairness and understanding of each other’s history, cultures, goals and interests.
“With the signing of this historic Good Relations Agreement, West Fraser looks forward to building our relationship, learning from the wisdom of Montana First Nations members and providing mutual benefit that contributes to the wellbeing of the community.”
Jason Foote, General Manager, Sundre Forest Products
The signing took place on August 14, 2023 at West Fraser’s Sundre Forest Products operation. Chief Leonard Standing on the road — Chief of the Montana First Nation and Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations — provided a prayer, followed by a traditional smudging by all the agreement signatories, and then the signing ceremony.
Following the signing, Chief Standing on the Road said, “This agreement is important to the people of Montana First Nation, especially our youth as there will be opportunities provided for them to prosper.”
Bob Jackle, General Manager, for West Fraser LVL, was also in attendance and said, “We are looking for forward to the opportunities to hire First Nation members from Montana First Nation at the mill facility.”
Engaging Indigenous youth is a priority for West Fraser. The celebrations included a tour of the mill facility, which was designed to provide the Nation’s youth with insights into what opportunities there might be for employment with West Fraser. There were a lot of great questions about various types of jobs and career paths at the mill and in forestry with the Woodlands group.
“We draw heavily upon science to help guide us in the management of forest ecosystems. Inclusion of traditional knowledge in this management will only enhance the sustainability of the timber resource and the forest ecosystem as a whole,” said Tom Daniels, Woodlands Manager, Sundre Forest Products.
There were approximately 50 elders, business leaders and youth from the Montana First Nation along with employees from Sundre Forest Products present for this event.
