Thursday, October 29, 2015
Wale is a 22-year old woman from the Gitxsan First Nation studying Natural Resource Conservation in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia, with the goal of becoming a professional biologist. Bellefleur, a 27-year old member of the Innu of Pessamit, will soon start his Master’s degree in Forest Science at Laval University, with a long-term goal of helping to improve the integrated management of forest resources in his community. FPAC and CCFM wish to congratulate both winners on their impressive academic records and community commitment and look forward to their future accomplishments in the forest sector.
“The forest sector benefits greatly from the hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of Aboriginal youth such as Taylor and Patrice” says David Lindsay, President and CEO of FPAC. “Our industry is already one of the largest employers of Aboriginal people in Canada, and under Vision2020 we are committed to recruiting more young Aboriginals to work in the revitalized forest sector”. He added further.
At a presentation at the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officer (CANDO) national conference in Toronto, the two winners each received a $2,500 award and an I-Pad mini. The FPAC/CCFM Skills Award for Aboriginal Youth targets First Nations, Métis or Inuit individuals aged 18 to 30 who are enrolled in an apprenticeship program, college or university, with strong academic standing, and a demonstrated commitment to their field of study and a career in the revitalized forest sector.
The Skill Award for Aboriginal Youth builds on the FPAC Aboriginal Business Leadership Award which recognizes and celebrates Aboriginal entrepreneurs for success in a forest product business.
Tags: ccfm, FPAC, industry skill award
