Strengthening partnerships through listening: new BCTS partnerships web page
Over the past year, BC Timber Sales (BCTS) has heard clearly from First Nations, communities and forest sector partners throughout British Columbia: strong relationships, clarity and flexibility are essential to meaningful collaboration.
Through engagement during the BCTS Review, many First Nations and partners shared that while there are opportunities to work collaboratively with BCTS, it has not always been easy to understand what partnership options exist, how they are used or where to start conversations. Participants also emphasized the importance of locally driven approaches, respect for Indigenous rights and priorities and partnership models that support both stewardship and community well‑being.
In response to what we heard, BCTS has launched a new partnerships web page to make our partnership approach more transparent, accessible and easier to navigate.
The webpage brings together select partnership tools and approaches and provides a clear overview of how BCTS works with partners, the values that guide collaboration and the types of partnership opportunities that may be explored locally. Rather than presenting a single model or “one‑size‑fits‑all” solution, the page highlights the different ways BCTS can work with First Nations, community forests, tenure holders and other partners depending on local interests, priorities and capacity. It recognizes that meaningful partnerships are place‑based and relationship‑driven, and that trust, dialogue and respect are foundational to long‑term collaboration.
The partnerships web page is designed to support conversations, not replace them. It provides a consistent, public‑facing reference for communities, First Nations and BCTS staff, while reinforcing that partnerships are developed regionally and in alignment with rights, title and community priorities.
The partnerships webpage is not fixed. BCTS recognizes that partnership approaches will continue to evolve through ongoing dialogue, lessons learned and feedback from First Nations and communities. As new tools or guidance are developed and approved, the page will be updated to reflect that learning.
BCTS remains committed to listening, learning and working alongside First Nations, community forests and other partners in ways that respect rights, support strong stewardship and reflect local and regional needs.
For more information, visit the BCTS partnerships web page or connect with your local BCTS office to discuss partnership opportunities in your area.
