Grassy Narrows

Weyerhaeuser operates a state-of-the-art TimberStrand® laminated strand lumber mill in Kenora, Ontario. The mill draws most of its supply of hardwood fiber from two surrounding forest management areas: the Kenora forest, licensed by the province to Weyerhaeuser, and the Whiskey Jack forest, previously licensed by the province to AbitibiBowater. Much of the Whiskey Jack forest is subject to a traditional use claim by the Grassy Narrows First Nation.

Grassy Narrows First Nation has had long-running differences with the province of Ontario over historic issues, one of which is the management of the Whiskey Jack forest. Company leaders, including the president of Weyerhaeuser Company, have urged the province to work with Grassy Narrows at the highest level. In September 2007, the Premier of Ontario, in cooperation with Grassy Narrows Chief Fobister, appointed former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci to identify the issues of concern for the Grassy Narrows community and advise the province on addressing those concerns. Weyerhaeuser extended full cooperation to Justice Iacobucci in his work.

Mr. Iacobucci identified opportunities for the ministry and Grassy Narrows First Nation to work together to build a positive, long-term relationship. He recommended that the ministry and Grassy Narrows First Nation enter into a shorter term working agreement to improve the understanding and cooperation between Grassy Narrows and the ministry on the sustainable management of forest resources in the Whiskey Jack Forest while respecting the rights and interests of others. In May 2008, Grassy Narrows First Nation and the Ministry of Natural Resources committed to a new, positive relationship. Subsequently, in July 2008, provincial officials and Grassy Narrows leaders entered into a Framework Agreement, setting out goals, principles and objectives and a process to resolve issues. The Framework Agreement includes a Grassy Narrows pilot forest project.

Weyerhaeuser supports the progress that has been made to date and the ongoing processes designed to bring about resolution of outstanding issues on the Whiskey Jack forest. Weyerhaeuser is also working with First Nations in the region to establish a cooperative forest license on the Kenora Forest, including First Nations as shareholders.

While Weyerhaeuser uses alternative wood sources, Weyerhaeuser’s TimberStrand® mill depends on a long-term, sustainable supply of hardwood from the Whiskey Jack forest for about 40 percent of its requirements. The province has licensed First Nations and others in the Whiskey Jack forest to harvest timber while it works with Grassy Narrows on a long-term resolution, and Weyerhaeuser purchases this wood.

The Kenora mill is important to the community, as it directly and indirectly employs over one thousand people in the region, with an overall economic impact exceeding $60 million each year. The mill also reflects Weyerhaeuser's commitment to building mutually beneficial relationships with aboriginal communities. First Nations served on a special steering committee during construction of the mill, helping Weyerhaeuser recruit and maintain a long-term workforce that is 20-25 percent aboriginal.

Weyerhaeuser respects the rights of aboriginal peoples. Read about our policy and framework for building relationships with Canada's aboriginal peoples. We are committed to supporting the framework and processes agreed to by the province and Grassy Narrows to find lasting and inclusive solutions to the issues around the Whiskey Jack Forest, based on the principles stated by Justice Iacobucci of mutual respect, understanding, participation and accountability.

Weyerhaeuser’s approach to issues around the Whiskey Jack forest is based on the following principles:

• Operations on the Whiskey Jack forest should include the meaningful participation of and consultation with the Kenora community and indigenous peoples affected by those operations, including Grassy Narrows First Nation.
• Operations on the Whiskey Jack forest should respect the rights of Grassy Narrows First Nation and other aboriginal groups. These rights may include land tenure, treaty rights, and other rights.
• Operations on the Whiskey Jack forest should continue to build the capacity of aboriginal peoples, including Grassy Narrows members, to work in the forest products industry and enhance the value of the forest’s timber and non-timber resources through fair, equitable and mutually beneficial relationships.
• Operations on the Whiskey Jack forest should be sensitive to and acknowledge the culture, heritage and traditions of aboriginal peoples, including Grassy Narrows First Nation, and promote inclusion of traditional knowledge and practices.
• Any conflicts with aboriginal peoples over operations on the Whiskey Jack forest should be resolved through just and fair procedures.