Indigenous Youth From East And West Coasts Win Forest Industry Skills Award

  |  
November 22, 2016

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), in partnership with the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM), presented the Skills Award for Aboriginal Youth to Gregory Daniels and Christian Francis today in Ottawa.

The Skills Award for Aboriginal Youth is open to 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.

Gregory Daniels is a member of the Canim Lake Band in British Columbia who studied Environmental Resource Technology at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and has worked for three years as a silviculture technician at West Fraser. Gregory is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Forest Ecology and Management at the University of Northern British Columbia with the goal of becoming a Registered Professional Forester.

Christian Francis is a member of the Mi’kmaq from Pictou Landing First Nation in Nova Scotia. Having previously earned a diploma in Plant Science from Dalhousie University, Christian is driven by an interest in forestry and land management. He is currently enrolled as a third year student at Dalhousie University, working towards a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Environmental Science.

“Congratulations to Gregory and Christian for showing such enthusiasm and commitment to the forest products sector,” says Derek Nighbor, CEO of FPAC. “Our industry is dedicated to recruiting more young Aboriginal people like them as we become more innovative, strengthen our environmentally credentials and work more closely with First Nations communities.”

“Christian and Gregory exemplify the future of Canada’s forest sector and the important role that our Indigenous peoples play in its development, and I offer my congratulations,” says Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, Jim Carr. “Our forest sector’s reach is global, but today’s awards remind us that it provides opportunities and careers for Canadians in communities across the country, including Indigenous communities.”

“I believe that more and more Aboriginal involvement in the natural resource industry will see Aboriginal communities grow stronger and see the industry thrive as well,” says Gregory Daniels. “I am just glad to do my small part for the Aboriginal community and the natural resource industry.”

“I am hopeful that my valuing of education and my developing experience with the forestry and land management industry will enable me to someday find and create opportunities for economic growth in my home community,” says Christian Francis. “Someday I hope to do my part in helping First Nations people as a whole.”

The Skills Award for Aboriginal Youth builds on the FPAC Aboriginal Business Leadership Award which recognizes and celebrates Aboriginal entrepreneurs for success in a forest products business.

-30-

FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $65-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 2% of Canada’s GDP and is one of Canada’s largest employers operating in hundreds of communities and providing 230,000 direct jobs across the country.

For more information contact:

Fiona McDonald

Communications Coordinator

Forest Products Association of Canada

fmcdonald@fpac.ca 613-563-1441 x 318

Follow us on Twitter: @FPAC_APFC

For more information contact:
Kerry Patterson-Baker
Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
kpatterson-baker@fpac.ca
(613) 563-1441 x 314
Follow FPAC on Twitter: @FPAC_APFC
February 13, 2024
Canada’s Forest Sector Unveils Roadmap Toward Net-Zero at Globe Forum 2024
As global leaders representing government, business and the environment meet in Vancouver this week, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has launched an important report
Read This
February 12, 2024
Recognizing Research Excellence: Canadian Forestry Innovation Awards Program Now Accepting Applications
The Chisholm Awards for Innovation in Forestry, now in its third year, is opening its doors once again to celebrate the innovative spirit and leadership of young students and researchers in Canada’s forest sector.
Read This
December 14, 2023
Canada’s Forest Sector Welcomes Federal Pre-Approved Housing Design Initiative
Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) welcomes the federal government's move to introduce a catalogue of pre-approved, ready-to-build housing designs
Read This
December 11, 2023
COP 28: Canada’s Forest Sector Unveils Roadmap to Support Climate Resilience and Emissions Reduction Targets
COP 28: Canada’s Forest Sector Unveils Roadmap to Support Climate Resilience and Emissions Reduction Targets
Read This
September 21, 2020
Lisa Raitt Honoured As Community Champion By Canada's Forest Products Sector
Forest Products Association of Canada recognizes former minister Lisa Raitt's leadership in the forestry sector with Forestry Community Champion award
Read This
November 13, 2019
The Search for Canada's Greenest Workforce
Canada's forest industry is a top employer and global leader in sustainability, forest management, clean technology and innovation
Read This
March 21, 2019
Standing Tall with Canada's Forest Workers on International Day of Forests
Forest Products Association of Canada celebrates forestry communities, workers and world leading forestry management for International Day of Forests
Read This
February 20, 2019
Opinion | Workforce Diversity - Canada's Forest Sector Branches Out
Forest Products Association of Canada embraces diversity and encourages women and indigenous to join the forestry workforce
Read This
September 11, 2023
Aaron Wilde: Blog 5: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Aaron Wilde: Blog 5: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
September 11, 2023
Amanda Pacholczak: A Love Letter to the Mill: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Amanda Pacholczak: A Love Letter to the Mill: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
September 11, 2023
Olivia Becher: Vlog 5: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Olivia Becher: Vlog 5: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
September 11, 2023
Annika Clark: Working for Interfor Adams Lake: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Annika Clark: Working for Interfor Adams Lake: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
October 20, 2021
Canada’s Forest Sector Supports New National Program for Indigenous Youth
Earlier today, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) made a $10,000 commitment to support the Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) and its education and training program for Indigenous youth.
Read This
October 5, 2021
From Zero Waste to Net Zero, Canada’s Forests Are Critical to a Cleaner, Greener Future
Canada’s sustainably-managed forests and the carbon-storing wood products they provide are key to supporting Canada’s transition to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050 - meeting conservation targets and creating the quality green jobs of tomorrow at the same time.
Read This
August 26, 2021
Universal Access to High-Speed Internet must be a National Priority
It is our hope that during this federal election campaign all parties will continue to support the important call to ensure all Canadians have reliable access to high-speed internet. The future of our northern and rural communities and their ability to strengthen their post-pandemic economies depends on it.
Read This
July 15, 2021
Canadas Forest Sector Announces Winners of Annual Green Dream Internship Program
Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) is pleased to announce the winners of its annual Green Dream Internship Program. Winners will blog about their work experiences in Canada’s forests and mills over the course of the summer. 
Read This