NOLS to Revise Crown Land Application After First Nations Consultation

The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), a U.S.-based non-profit organization, has indicated it may modify its application to use provincial Crown land in British Columbia. This decision follows growing concerns raised by First Nations regarding the application, which seeks to secure sites for camping during a sea-kayaking expedition from Washington State to Alaska next summer.

NOLS has applied to renew and expand its licenses to occupy Crown land along the coast of British Columbia. The organization aims to stop and camp at specific locations on its route, which has sparked considerable debate among local communities and Indigenous groups. The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) has been vocal about the need for proper consultation, emphasizing that consent from First Nations is essential before any decisions are made on the application.

Hugh Braker, a member of the FNLC and the Tsheshaht First Nation, underscored the importance of obtaining “free, prior, and informed consent” from First Nations leaders. He stated, “There must be an understanding that First Nations consent is required for most, if not all of these areas.” The proposed campsites are located along both the west and east coasts of Vancouver Island, as well as up the central coast.

After Braker’s comments were aired on CBC’s program “On the Island,” Rich Majerus, NOLS’s Vice President of Expeditions, acknowledged the need for further consultation and indicated that the organization is re-evaluating its application. He expressed regret for the lack of engagement prior to the application submission, stating, “I want to apologize for the lack of consultation in advance of submitting our application.”

While NOLS is contemplating the removal of certain sites from its application, it has not withdrawn the request entirely. Majerus emphasized the organization’s commitment to dialogue with First Nations, asserting that they “have every intention to communicate, to ask for permission.”

The controversy surrounding NOLS’s application has resonated strongly with many British Columbians, particularly amid concerns about a U.S. non-profit gaining access to Canadian land. Despite the tensions in Canada-U.S. relations, Majerus argued that this moment presents an opportunity to foster collaboration. “For us to move away from this because of that larger political climate would be antithetical to the way we try to train our students,” he remarked.

Regarding additional public concerns, Majerus reassured the community that NOLS would adhere to “leave no trace” principles, ensuring that no permanent structures would be built and that access to the land would remain open for others. As the organization prepares for further consultations, it aims to address the apprehensions of local communities and First Nations leaders alike.

The outcome of these discussions will likely shape the future of NOLS’s activities in British Columbia and influence how non-profit organizations can operate on Crown land while respecting Indigenous rights and local sentiments.