Call Out for Forest-Related and Value-Added Wood Product Business Ideas
We want to hear your ideas for innovative value-added wood products or manufacturing that might be possible on Haida Gwaii. Approved concepts will be modelled, assessed, and based on feasibility, executed as part of the diversified, Haida-led forest economic strategy.
Background
Haida Title Implementation represents a historic opportunity to explore how Haida Gwaii’s forests can be managed beyond the current harvest and export mode in a way that benefits the Haida Nation, island residents and all beings that call these islands home. The Council of the Haida Nation (CHN)'s goal is to manage and steward Haida Gwaii’s forests through a mutual relationship that is grounded in respect, responsibility, and reciprocity. Forest management decisions will prioritize balance by protecting the integrity of natural ecosystems and culture while supporting innovation and employment opportunities in the local economy. Forest management will be guided not only by economic considerations, but by respect for Haida laws, intergenerational responsibility, and from the inherent understanding that maintaining resilient ecosystems is integral to the forests, rivers, and ecosystems that sustain all beings and activities on Haida Gwaii.
Potential benefits of this approach include Haida management and stewardship of Haida Gwaii’s forests, increased ease of access for cultural uses, restoration of forests, rivers and streams, and the creation of opportunities for local socio-economic development. Achieving these outcomes will require the development of new locally-based business and employment opportunities in several areas, including wood processing and value-added manufacturing, forest technology and restoration, and climate resiliency.
CHN has established a Joint Economic Working Group (JEWG) with parties that have expressed interest in investing in new and innovative models for forestry, restoration and stewardship vested in Haida values. The JEWG is tasked with developing analytical tools and capacity to model and assess business opportunities and concepts to diversify forest-related activities on Haida Gwaii and identifying resourcing to support the development of the new forest economy.
Fill out the form virtually below or print out the PDF form.