Domtar and the Tla’amin Nation signed a historic agreement on March 14th at tiskwat, on the Nation's ancestral territory, signifying a crucial step in reconciliation.
The agreement allows the Tla’amin Nation to reacquire a significant portion of land at the former tiskwat paper mill site in Powell River, British Columbia. This land, holding profound historical and cultural value for the Tla’amin, represents a return to their heritage and the resumption of ancestral responsibilities.
A Foundation of Mutual Respect
This agreement is the culmination of long-term work initiated in 2021 with the renaming of the mill to tiskwat Paper Mill. Since then, Domtar and the Tla’amin Nation have cultivated a respectful and collaborative dialogue. “This agreement is the result of mutual learning and understanding,” emphasized Lana Wilhelm, Director of Indigenous Relations at Domtar.
A Symbolic Return for the Tla’amin Nation
John Hackett, Hegus of the Tla’amin Nation, expressed gratitude to his ancestors and commended Domtar's dedication. “Reconnecting with this place, once a hub of our territory, is deeply moving. We look forward to once again assuming our responsibilities toward these lands.”
Concrete Action Towards Reconciliation
For Domtar, this agreement exemplifies its commitment to Indigenous communities. “Our owner, Jackson Wijaya, challenged us to build a lasting legacy for the Tla’amin Nation, Domtar, and the Powell River community,” added Ms. Wilhelm.
Beyond the land reacquisition by the Tla’amin Nation, another part of the territory will be sold to third parties for industrial redevelopment, ensuring ongoing economic benefits for the region. This agreement marks an important milestone in reconciliation, demonstrating Domtar’s commitment to translating its promises into tangible actions.
Tla’amin Nation and Domtar sign the tiskwat land agreement in Powell River, BC. From left to right: Elsie Paul, Tla’amin Elder; Hegus John Hackett, Tla’amin Nation; Richard Tremblay, President, Pulp and Tissue, Domtar; and Lana Wilhelm, Director, Indigenous Relations, Domtar. The agreement sees a significant portion of the tiskwat Paper Mill site lands returning to the Tla’amin Nation
Domtar is a leading, privately held manufacturer of diversified forest products, with a workforce of roughly 14,000 employees in more than 60 locations across North America. The company has an annual capacity of 9.1 million metric tons of pulp, paper, packaging and tissue annually, and has an annual production capacity of about 3 billion board feet of lumber and other wood products. Formerly known as the Paper Excellence Group, Domtar is comprised of legacy businesses Paper Excellence Canada Holdings Corporation, Domtar Corporation and Resolute Forest Products.
