Wolastoqi Chiefs call out lack of consultation on proposed land swap

Press Release

February 4, 2026

The Wolastoqi Chiefs are deeply concerned after learning through a news report that the provincial government is negotiating to swap protected conservation lands with J.D. Irving without any consultation. These decisions cannot and should not happen without the Wolastoqey Nation at the table.

“Our lands are our rights. Any transfer or exchange of “Crown land” impacts Aboriginal Title and Treaty Rights and triggers the legal duty to consult. Forestry companies cannot determine which lands should be set aside for conservation or Aboriginal and Treaty Rights purposes.

“We learned about this proposal through a news article rather than through direct engagement with the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development. This is completely unacceptable.

“A strong relationship is built on transparency, yet the Wolastoqey Nation was not provided notice that these conversations were taking place. Proper consultation is the only path forward to ensure all interests are fairly considered.

“In this situation, our Wolastoqey communities were treated as an afterthought. No business organization, including J.D. Irving, should be engaged ahead of the First Nations whose lands and rights are unceded. No company stands above the law, and the Crown cannot sidestep its duty to consult.

“The future of our forests and our rights is at stake. With aggressive industrial activity dominating our forest lands, existing conserved and naturalized lands are rare and hold immense value to Wolastoqiyik. We believe the current provincial forestry strategy is already heavily biased in favour of industry. Future conservation initiatives must give greater weight to Wolastoqey and environmental considerations to restore balance and ensure that our lands are being stewarded effectively for present and future generations.

“Negotiations between the government and industry cannot proceed in isolation. We call for a pause on these discussions until a meaningful consultation process is established which affords our Nation the opportunity to have a voice that respects our Aboriginal and Treaty rights.”

For media inquiries:

WNNB Communications
media@wolastoqey.ca

IBF5