Administration of Reserve Timber

Under the Indian Act and the Indian Timber Regulations, it is an offence to cut and remove timber from a reserve without authorization from the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (AANDC)

AANDC's statutory authority for reserve timber under the Indian Act is limited to the granting of licences to cut timber on surrendered and reserve lands, and imposing terms, conditions and restrictions on licensees. In granting and administering the licences, AANDC seeks to secure benefits for First Nations in the form of stumpage revenues and other economic benefits, environmental protection, and forest regeneration.