Historic Federal Loan Guarantee Enables Tla'amin Nation to Acquire Forestry Business

First Nation will take full ownership of major forestry operation within their traditional territories in B.C.

TLA'AMIN NATION, BC, Nov. 3, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation (CILGC) today announced a $64 million loan guarantee that will enable Tla'amin Nation to acquire full ownership of Western Forest Products Stillwater Forest Operation, a major forestry operation spanning nearly 154,000 hectares within its traditional territory on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast.

The transaction represents a significant milestone for Tla'amin Nation as it will provide greater control over the management and stewardship of these lands, while creating opportunities for long-term economic benefits, employment, and community prosperity.

The loan guarantee is provided through the federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program (ILGP), established to support Indigenous Nations to overcome barriers to accessing capital and participate as owners in major projects on their traditional territories.

"By supporting Tla'amin Nation's acquisition of the Stillwater Forest Operation, we're enabling a transformative investment -- one that puts the Nation in the driver's seat of a major forestry operation, strengthens its economic future and creates lasting opportunities for its people," said Kristan Straub, President and Chief Executive Officer of CILGC. ""This is exactly why the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program was created. Indigenous Nations across Canada are looking to take a greater ownership stake in the industries and projects operating within their traditional territories. Access to affordable capital has too often been a barrier to making that possible."

"This loan guarantee is an important step in Tla'amin's journey toward economic sovereignty," said hegus John Hackett, Tla'amin Nation. "We believe that when the people who belong to a place care for it, we can work toward an economy that balances rights with responsibilities, and prosperity with protection. Reacquiring this part of our territory is a meaningful step forward, and we're grateful for the partnerships that made it possible."

Quick Facts

• This loan guarantee will support Tla'amin Nation's acquisition of Tree Farm Licence 39, Block 1, in qathet Regional District, near Powell River, British Columbia.
• The forestry sector supports communities, creates jobs, and provides world-class products to customers at home and around the world.
• CILGC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV), delivers the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program and issues loan guarantees on behalf of Canada.
• To date, CILGC has directly enabled 48 Indigenous Nations across four transactions through $840 million in loan guarantees.
• To learn more about the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program: www.cilgc-cgpac.ca

About Tla'amin Nation

Qwoqwnes Forestry Holdings Limited Partnership is owned by the Tla'amin Nation. The Tla'amin Nation is a self-governing modern treaty nation with significant land holdings in the qathet region. The Tla'amin Treaty with Canada and British Columbia came into force in 2016. Tla'amin people have occupied the region for millennia, stewarding the land and sea in accordance with Tla'amin law and respect for the natural world.

SOURCE Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation

Media Contacts: CILGC, Jessica Clark, Senior Communications Associate, [email protected], 403-701-7761; Tla'amin Nation, Davis McKenzie [email protected], 778-834-7934