Historic Agreements

Interim Measures Agreement

In 1994, a historic two-year Interim Measures Agreement (IMA) between the provincial government and the five First Nations of the Nuu-chah-nulth Central Region, Ahousat, Hesquiaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht and Ucluelet, was signed. The IMA acknowledged that the Ha'wiih (Hereditary Chiefs) of the First Nations have the responsibility to conserve and protect their traditional territories and waters for generations which will follow.

Consequently, joint management of the Nuu-chah-nulth traditional territory's lands and resources was granted to the five Central Region First Nations until the completion of treaty negotiations.

In order to facilitate joint management of the traditional territories of the Central Region Nuu-chah-Nulth until the completion of treaty negotiations, the Central Region Board (CRB) was created. The CRB is a unique board with equal aboriginal and non-aboriginal membership. In addition to bridging treaty, the CRB promotes sustainable resource use in Clayoquot Sound.

From 1994 to 1996, meetings were held to discuss the possibility of a joint venture between MacMillan Bloedel and the five First Nations but little progress was made.

Interim Measures Extension Agreement

In 1996, because treaty negotiations were still in progress, an extension to the initial IMA was signed. This agreement is known as the Interim Measures Extension Agreement (IMEA). Schedule II of the IMEA committed MacMillan Bloedel and the First Nations in Clayoquot Sound to begin negotiations with the objective of forming a joint venture based on a shared commitment to achieving change.

In 1997 Ma-Mook Development Corporation was established to represent the collective economic interests of the five Nuu-chah-nulth Central Region First Nations.

In 1998, Ma-Mook Development Corporation and MacMillan Bloedel signed a shareholders agreement detailing their partnership in a new company named Iisaak Forest Resources Ltd.

Agreement With Environmental Groups

On June 16, 1999, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Iisaak Forest Resources Limited and the following environmental groups:

• Greenpeace Canada
• Greenpeace International
• Natural Resources Defense Council
• Sierra Club of BC
• Western Canada Wilderness Committee

Environment Groups committed to:

• Supporting Iisaak’s operations.
• Actively engaging in promoting markets for products produced by Iisaak.
• Developing ongoing mechanisms for sustaining cooperation.

Iisaak committed to:

• Respecting the role of First Nations in resource management activities.
• Achieving certification under the Forest Stewardship Council.
• Managing eehmiis, Nuu-chah-nulth for "precious", areas emphasizing non-timber values.
• Developing ongoing mechanisms for sustaining cooperation.

Agreement With Displaced Forest Workers

In September 1999, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Iisaak and displaced forest workers of the Clayoquot South Community (or 'the South End'). This agreement led to the establishment of an employment protocol wherein Iisaak agreed to provide opportunities to local contractors and individuals as much as possible, taking into consideration performance standards and cost.

Based on the company's operating requirements Iisaak will hire: First Nations contractors who are owned by the Central Region First Nations or partnered with a local contractor, qualified South End residents with special consideration for displaced Kennedy Lake employees, and qualified persons within the local area. Over time, Iisaak will expand its business to create additional local employment opportunities.