Stewards of the Land: Dan Macmaster

As Forestry Manager at Siya Forestry, Dan Macmaster is helping guide a growing forestry operation rooted in stewardship, community, and multi-generational care for the land across Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) territory.Working alongside the OIB and Nk’Mip Forestry, Siya Forestry is involved in a wide range of on-the-ground work. This includes harvesting, silviculture, fuel management, ecosystem restoration, road design and maintenance, wildfire risk reduction, and long-term forest planning. The work also supports employment, training, and economic opportunities for OIB members.

For Dan, the growth of Siya Forestry reflects OIB’s broader vision to take a more active role in caring for and managing its lands. “Siya Forestry has grown into a highly capable and progressive forestry operation rooted in proper land stewardship, community involvement, and sustainability across Osoyoos Indian Band territory,” he shared.

In addition, Dan notes that forestry has changed significantly over the last few years. While harvesting remains part of the work, the focus today is much broader. Crews are now working to reduce wildfire risk, restore fire-killed stands, support and enhance wildlife habitat, protect cultural and environmental values, and build healthier, more resilient forests for future generations.

“Increasingly severe wildfire seasons, climate change, insect impacts, and changing public expectations have all shifted forestry toward a more holistic and values-based approach,” he explained.

That shift is reflected in the work Siya Forestry is doing today, whose team brings together modern forestry practices, Indigenous knowledge, local experience, and a deep understanding of the land. “The people working on the land often have lifelong connections to these forests and communities,” Dan said. “They bring valuable local knowledge, pride, and accountability to the work being done.”

Building opportunities for OIB members is also central to Siya Forestry’s growth. The work here is helping create pathways into forestry, heavy equipment operation, wildfire management, silviculture, and environmental stewardship.

One of the most rewarding parts for Dan has been watching Siya Forestry grow into a trusted operation while local crews take on more responsibility. “Watching local crews gain experience, confidence, certifications, and leadership opportunities has been incredibly rewarding, especially knowing the work is directly contributing to healthier forests, safer communities, and stronger economic opportunities for future generations,” he added.

Today, Siya Forestry represents a growing model for forestry that brings together community, responsibility, innovation, economic opportunity, and care for the land.