Indigenous People

Weyerhaeuser is committed to developing and maintaining positive relationships with aboriginal communities wherever we operate. For example, in Canada, where Weyerhaeuser is a steward of public land, we work to support and sustain the role of aboriginal peoples in Canadian forests. Our relationships with aboriginal communities include:

• Contractual relationships for timber harvesting, forest silviculture, infrastructure development, and the supply of other goods and services
• Involvement with and donations to aboriginal initiatives
• Support for education to help develop employment skills
• Employment opportunities
• Mutual sharing of information and goals with a view to understanding and accommodation

Weyerhaeuser also works with key contractors and suppliers to develop awareness about respectful workplace behavior and encourages them to ensure their work forces reflect the populations where they operate.

Weyerhaeuser is a member of the Forest Products Association of Canada. In July 2008, FPAC and the Assembly of First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding in which FPAC's members committed to work to increase aboriginal participation, investment potential and human resources and labour force development within the forest products industry.

Weyerhaeuser’s policies address best practices for forest products companies’ relationships with indigenous peoples, including:

• Participation and consultation: Forest operations should include the meaningful participation of and consultation with local communities and indigenous peoples affected by those operations
• Respect for the rights of indigenous peoples: Forest operations should respect indigenous peoples’ rights, which may include land tenure, treaty rights, and rights to traditional or customary uses. Forest operations should recognize and support government-to-government processes to establish and reconcile these rights.
• Capacity building: Forest operations should build the capacity of indigenous peoples to work in the industry sector and enhance the value of local resources through fair, equitable and mutually beneficial relationships.
• Cultural identity: Forest operations should understand and acknowledge indigenous cultures, heritages and traditions and promote traditional knowledge and practices.
• Just and fair dispute resolution: Forest operations should resolve conflicts through just and fair procedures.

Detailed information is available about Weyerhaeuser’s position on Grassy Narrows and the Whiskey Jack Forest.