Atli Resources LP, a ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation-owned company, is redefining what forest stewardship looks like. After successfully recovering over 100,000 cubic metres of fibre between 2023 and 2025, equivalent to approximately 2,000 truck loads, the company has plans to deliver more by the end of this year. This sustained effort, with funding support from FESBC, will ensure that less wood fibre goes to waste, leading instead to substantial environmental benefits and community development opportunities including local employment.
Wood fibre residuals, which includes low-value logs typically left to pile and burn or rot, are collected and chipped at the Atli Chip facility in Beaver Cove, located just southeast of Port McNeill on Vancouver Island. Thanks in part to funding investments from FESBC, the fibre is sent to Domtar pulp mills in Howe Sound and Crofton – helping salvage fibre that would otherwise be beyond the feasible economic range to transport. This utilization work further reduces the buildup of forest fuels and significantly cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions, as well as smoke and ash, with the fibre not burned in slash piles.
For Jonathan Lok, CEO of Atli Resources LP and a long-time resident of northern Vancouver Island, this increased utilization of forest residuals is a key aspect of a forestry sector that is transforming in real-time.
“The momentum behind Indigenous-led planning, management, and ownership opportunities in the forest sector is creating a valuable culture shift,” he said. “We see our work contributing directly to the sustainability and health of the land. With FESBC’s support, we are extending the reach of our positive environmental, social, and economic impacts.”
The benefits from these projects extend beyond the immediate environmental impact and are expected to enhance primary and secondary employment, as well as boost local economies.
Warren Roberts from Wahkash Contracting and Doug Mosher, RPF, COO of Atli Resources tour Forest Minister Ravi Parmar around the Atli Chip site. Photo Credit: Atli Resources LP
Last year, the operation of the chip plant and related salvaging activities created 25-30 full-time, ongoing jobs. The ripple effects were tangible, as the influx of workers led to increased demand for local services, prompting contractors to invest in new forestry equipment. Moreover, the project helped forest regeneration by clearing the way for new seedlings, enhancing the sustainability of forest management practices.
Atli Chip, jointly owned by Atli Resources LP, along with the local logging company Wahkash Contracting Ltd. and Domtar, played a critical role in the project’s success. The initiative was further supported by local contractor Estero Peak Contracting Ltd., along with contributions from Western Forest Products.
The project is a powerful example of First Nations leadership and collaboration and showcases how Indigenous-led partnerships can lead to major achievements toward more sustainable forestry. Looking ahead, Atli Resources LP remains committed to expanding its environmental, social, and economic impacts through continued wood fibre salvaging projects.
To read more about other Indigenous-led projects throughout British Columbia, read the full Special Report released by FESBC, in collaboration with the BC First Nations Forestry Council.