The Merritt area should see a boost to local industry, as the Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corporation, Stuwix Resources, and Aspen Planers have announced an alliance.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the three parties will help navigate business agreements related to timber and sawmill interests.
Chief Aaron Sumexheltza says, the agreement that they signed is a really important agreement for a variety of reasons.
“As many people know, a little more than a year ago, the Tolko mill left the Merritt area, and we lost over 200 jobs. So this Memorandum of Understanding is a real opportunity for First Nations, and industry, and the local mill to work together, to keep jobs in the Merritt area.”
Chief Sumexheltza says, the agreement has been in the works for a few months, and he hopes to see local industry benefit, and future job creation.