Western Forest Products : and Huu-ay-aht First Nations Build Foundation for Long-Term Relationship

The transaction provides a strong foundation for Western and Huu-ay-aht to develop a long-term partnership with respect to lands and timber resources in the Bamfield-Anacla area.

Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis Sr. commented regarding the sale, "As a Nation, we want to focus on building a safe and healthy community, and that starts with good relationships, first with our citizens but also with our neighbours and business partners." He added, "Our citizens gave us the message that moving forward with Western is a key priority by providing their support at our Special People's Assembly. Western has shown it respects Huu-ay-aht's philosophy of Ancient Spirit, Modern Mind and our core values. We are writing the book on how business is to be done in our Ḥahuułi and opening the door to economic opportunities that will bring our people home and create a strong future for the next generation."

"We recognize the importance of the Sarita area to the Huu-ay-aht and are pleased to have delivered a mutually beneficial transaction to support increased economic benefits from the forest sector to First Nations communities and to Western", said Don Demens, President and CEO of Western.

For the Huu-ay-aht, the Sarita River is the "Heart of the People" and the properties involved in the agreement with Western complete the reunification of Huu-ay-aht-owned lands at Sarita Bay. Huu-ay-aht received strong support for the land acquisition from its People's Assembly held February 19, 2017. With a long-term lease in place, Western will continue to operate its dry land sort at Sarita, supporting its timber operations in TFL 44.

Western is an integrated Canadian forest products company, and is the largest coastal British Columbia woodland operator and lumber producer. The Company has an annual available harvest of approximately

6.1 million cubic metres of timber, of which approximately 5.9 million cubic metres is from Crown lands. Western has a lumber production capacity in excess of 1.1 billion board feet from seven sawmills and one remanufacturing plant. Principal activities conducted by the Company include timber harvesting, reforestation, sawmilling logs into lumber and wood chips, and value-added remanufacturing. Substantially all of Western's operations, employees and corporate facilities are located in the coastal region of British Columbia, with sales worldwide.

Huu-ay-aht First Nations is an indigenous community located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. It is a part of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, formerly called the Nootka. Huu-ay-aht is a party to the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, a modern treaty that grants its five member-nations constitutionally-

protected self-government as well as ownership, control and law-making authority over their lands and resources. For more information, visit www.huuayaht.org.

Western Forest Products Inc.:

Media and other Inquiries: Amy Spencer

Director, Communications & Government Relations (604) 648-4500

Huu-ay-aht First Nations:

Heather Thomson Communications Coordinator Phone: 250.720.7776

Heather.t@huuayaht.org