Chinook Community Forest Launches New Film Celebrating Local Stewardship and Wildfire Resilience

Burns Lake, B.C. – The Chinook Community Forest (CCF) has released a new film as part of a province-wide project led by the BC Community Forest Association (BCCFA), to celebrate the stories and successes of community forests across British Columbia. The film highlights the important role the CCF plays in supporting local priorities of the community such as reducing wildfire risk, enhancing wildlife habitat, forest health, and reinvesting in the community.

“The Chinook Community Forest manages for all community values, from water, wildlife habitat, and cultural values to recreation opportunities and economic benefits,” said Ken Nielsen, Manager of the CCF. “At its core, our work is about managing the community forest for the community. We are excited to have this film help raise awareness of the value our locally managed community forest provides.”

The film features on-the-ground footage of wildfire risk reduction work in action, work that is designed to address an increase of fire activity in the region. The forest management treatments are designed to reduce dense fuel build-up and create strategic breaks in the forest to slow the spread of wildfire and better protect Burns Lake and nearby communities.

Photo caption: An image from the Chinook Community Forest video, filmed by Olam Films

In addition, the film also highlights the CCF’s unique governance model. The organization, guided by a Board of Directors, is made up of Indigenous members and community members, creating a collaborative structure where local leaders work together to guide forest management decisions.

“It's a way of life for us here in Burns Lake. If we don't look after it, there is no way that we can look after ourselves,” noted Shannon Haizimsque, President of the CCF and a member of the Wet’suwet’en Nation. “The Chinook Community Forest is more than just timber. It's about our shared values, our connections, and stewardship.”

Beyond forest management, the CCF reinvests its profits back into the Burns Lake area through donations to local groups, recreation projects, youth programs, and community services, along with public engagement opportunities where local residents have a voice and are able to ask questions about the work of the community forest.

“That’s the future of tenure in B.C. - local people making local decisions,” added Nielsen.

Jennifer Gunter, Executive Director of the BCCFA, emphasized the broader significance of the film series.

“Community forests show what’s possible when local communities are trusted to steward the lands around them. This film reflects the collaboration and long-term thinking happening in Burns Lake, and across the province.”

The Chinook Community Forest film is now available to view online as part of the BCCFA’s community forest film series. Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/mnzE9bbrkKM

About the CCF

The Chinook Community Forest (CCF) is a locally governed forest tenure based in Burns Lake, British Columbia, dedicated to managing forest resources for the long-term benefit of the community. Guided by a collaborative Board of Directors that includes Indigenous and community leadership, CCF balances environmental stewardship, cultural values, wildfire risk reduction, recreation, and sustainable economic development. Revenues generated through forest operations are reinvested into local programs, initiatives, and organizations, helping strengthen the social, environmental, and economic well-being of the region. Learn more at www.chinookcomfor.ca 

About the BCCFA

The BCCFA is the collective voice of more than 100 rural and Indigenous communities across British Columbia dedicated to sustainable, locally driven forest management. As a grassroots, member-driven, non-profit society, the BCCFA promotes and supports community forestry as a strategy for ecosystem resilience, local economic development, and long-term land stewardship. Through advocacy, education, and technical support, the BCCFA helps communities exercise meaningful local decision-making over forests, create forest-based jobs, respect Indigenous rights and cultural values, and foster healthy rural economies and resilient ecosystems.

For more information on the BCCFA and community forests in British Columbia, visit www.bccfa.ca or follow the BCCFA: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Blue Sky | YouTube