Minister Neill Visits Alert Bay to Mark Gwa’ni Land Use Planning Milestone
January 18, 2026 — Alert Bay, BC
Overview of the Visit
On January 18, 2026, ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation welcomed Minister Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, to Alert Bay for a meaningful visit centred on the Gwa’ni Land Use Planning Project.
During the visit, Minister Neill spent time with ‘Na̱mg̱is leadership, staff, and community members, learning more about our Nation’s ongoing stewardship work in the Nimpkish Valley — including cultural values, ecosystem protection, and long-term sustainability priorities for our territory.
The day included discussions, a cultural welcome, and opportunities for the Minister to witness firsthand the lands and waters that the Gwa’ni Project seeks to protect.
About the Gwa’ni Land Use Planning Project
The Gwa’ni Land Use Planning Project is a joint initiative between ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation and the Province of British Columbia.
Since 2021, the project has focused on:
- Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems
- Honouring and upholding ‘Na̱mg̱is cultural values
- Improving operational clarity for the forestry sector
- Supporting sustainable economic development
- Ensuring long-term stewardship of the Nimpkish Valley
The project area encompasses over 166,000 hectares, including Vancouver Island’s longest river and multiple culturally significant sites across ‘Na̱mg̱is territory.
‘Na̱mg̱is Leadership Reflections
Two statements were shared by ‘Na̱mg̱is leadership regarding the continuation of this important work:
“The ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation is pleased to see the first steps taken to implement the joint Gwa’ni Land Use Planning Project recommendations.
The changes to the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan are the foundation for improved stewardship of resources in our territory, respect for our forest and cultural values, and will contribute to the predictability needed for a sustainable forest sector in our region.”
– Elected Chief Victor Isaac
“The implementation of the Gwa’ni recommendations to change the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan is an important recognition of our jurisdiction and responsibility for stewardship of resources and land in our territory.
The collaborative planning work led to consensus recommendations demonstrating that our governments, stakeholders, our members and the public can find workable solutions to protect the environment and promote sustainable economies.”
– Hereditary Chief Ho’miskanis (Don Svanvik)
Provincial Announcement
Following the community visit, the Province of British Columbia issued a formal news release announcing the signing of four ministerial orders to advance implementation of the Gwa’ni Land Use Planning Project.
These orders support:
- Environmental sustainability
- First Nations reconciliation
- A modernized approach to land stewardship
- Predictability and clarity for forestry operations
- Protection of culturally and ecologically significant areas
Read the full B.C. Government news release.
Media Coverage
The visit and announcement were also covered by local media. CHEK News published a story highlighting the collaboration between ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation and the Province of British Columbia to advance the Gwa’ni Land Use Planning Project in the Nimpkish Valley.
Read the CHEK News article.
Looking Ahead
‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation remains committed to advancing shared stewardship, ecosystem protection, and culturally grounded planning in the Nimpkish Valley. We look forward to continuing this work with the Province and project partners as the Gwa’ni Land Use Planning Project moves into its next phases.
