Llenllenéy'ten (High Bar) First Nation (HBFN) has signed a historic Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (West Fraser).
The JDA was signed during HBFN's National Indigenous Peoples Day event in Clinton on June 21. A press release issued by High Bar on June 24 stated that “The landmark agreement highlights HBFN's commitment to sustainable forest management through partnership with the private sector to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.”
The relationship ensures fibre supply for West Fraser, and opens the door for more diverse fibre product development. At the same time, HBFN notes that the agreement creates a path toward increased resource revenues and decision-making authority for HBFN, which marks a meaningful step toward economic reconciliation.
Under the JDA, West Fraser will transfer a portion of its timber harvesting rights to Llenllenéy'ten (High Bar) First Nation. These rights will be combined with HBFN's existing forest tenure, creating a larger, unified area that HBFN will now oversee and manage within its traditional territory.
This marks a shift in stewardship, as areas once managed by West Fraser will now be under Indigenous leadership. In return, logs harvested from this territory will be delivered to West Fraser's mills in the South Cariboo, supporting local jobs and wood product manufacturing in the region.
The press release noted that the agreement “reflects a new model of collaboration, one that strengthens economic reconciliation, advances environmental stewardship, and contributes to the regional economy.”
“The signing of the JDA marks a pivotal milestone in HBFN's efforts to forge respectful, collaborative partnerships with industry,” said HBFN Kúkpi7 Jamie Fletcher. “Its creation, grounded in transparency and trust, is an example of economic reconciliation in action. We look forward to a prosperous relationship with West Fraser, and hope this agreement inspires similar partnerships.”
“This agreement recognizes the central role that the Llenllenéy'ten (High Bar) First Nation has in stewarding resources in its traditional territory, while providing a measure of fibre security for West Fraser's mills in the South Cariboo,” said Sean McLaren, President & CEO, West Fraser.
“Partnerships like this one will be key to restoring a thriving forest sector in the region to the benefit of our employees, contractors, and local businesses.”
Llenllenéy'ten (High Bar) First Nation is one of 17 communities in the Secwépemc Nation, and one of four Secwépemc bands that are not a member of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council or the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council. Their traditional territory lies east of Clinton and extends to the Fraser River.
In April 2025 HBFN celebrated the grand opening of their newly-renovated office in Clinton, located at 7645 Cariboo Highway in the former St. John’s United Church building.
