Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) announces Amy Oester of Nazko First Nation and Grace Currie of the Métis Nation of British Columbia as recipients of the 2025 Skills Awards for Indigenous Youth. This honour celebrates young Indigenous leaders who are interested in careers in the forest sector and demonstrating a strong commitment to their communities.
Presented in partnership with the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM), this award recognizes Indigenous youth between the ages of 18 and 30 who are enrolled in post-secondary programs and actively contributing to the future of sustainable forest management in Canada. Winners are determined based on leadership skills, community involvement, and their interest in forestry.
Both recipients have begun their career in forestry with West Fraser. Oester is a Silviculture Coordinator and through her work she is bridging forestry and Indigenous knowledge, with a focus on enhancing cultural inclusion and community connection. Currie is, a third-generation forestry worker and is deeply committed to reconciliation and Indigenous inclusion in the industry.
“We are pleased to recognize Amy’s and Grace’s achievements with the 2025 Skills Awards for Indigenous Youth,” said Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of FPAC. “Amy’s leadership in silviculture and cultural revitalization, and Grace’s advocacy through sport, education, and Indigenous relations, reflect the values we share in shaping a future for forestry in Canada that is sustainable and inclusive. Amy and Grace are making a meaningful impact in their communities, and we know they will inspire others,” Nighbor added.
“Youth are our future, and the future of forestry is brighter thanks to Amy and Grace’s exceptional achievements,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests and chair of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM). “Their fresh perspectives and thoughtful incorporation of traditional knowledge, cultural learnings and meaningful connections within their communities are an inspiring example of how vital diverse voices are to building a sustainable forest sector. Congratulations to you both on this award, and I have no doubt we will see more great things from you in the future,” Parmar added.
Amy Rose Oester, Nazko First Nation
Amy is from Nazko First Nation and works as a Silviculture Coordinator at West Fraser, where she began her forestry journey with a summer job in silviculture. Deeply connected to her Indigenous roots, she is learning the Southern Carrier language and studying medicinal plants, which she integrates into her forestry work through community engagement and cultural knowledge-sharing.
Amy has led projects like creating a Southern Carrier language calendar and supports events such as the Nazko Nation Healing Fires and the “March with Arch” in collaboration with the Pathways to Reconciliation group – a network created at the Quesnel West Fraser Sawmill.
A graduate of the first year of the Natural Resources and Forest Technician diploma at the College of New Caledonia, she plans to return in 2026 to complete her studies. Her work bridges forestry and Indigenous knowledge, and she is passionate about reshaping the industry through cultural inclusion and community connection.
"Dahooja! Soo ’unuht’oh ho? Si soozi Amy Oester ts’utni Ndazkoh whusten. My mom always tells me, ‘The land doesn’t belong to us, we belong to the land.’ I try to carry this teaching with me and work with the intention of doing what is right for the land; this has helped me to reconnect to my roots.
"I am genuinely honored to be a recipient of the 2025 Skills Award for Indigenous Youth. To me, this recognition is not only for myself but for all Indigenous People who have put in the work and deserve to be heard, as well as for those who have supported and encouraged me along the way. Forestry offers endless knowledge, and I look forward to expanding my understanding through every experience. Sunachailya! Te’ont’e!” - Amy Oester.
Grace Louise Currie, Métis Nation of BC
Grace is an Indigenous forestry professional from the Métis Nation of B.C., residing on the traditionally unceded territory of the Lhtako Dene Nation. A proud third-generation forestry worker, Grace is deeply committed to reconciliation and Indigenous inclusion in the industry.
Grace is a three-time recipient of the ISPARC Premier’s Award for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport. She has also served as a coach and mentor for young women in sport, helping her community build fundraising capacity and long-term relationships. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies from UBC Okanagan and has worked in forestry since 2020, including roles in silviculture and community engagement.
Currently, she works at West Fraser’s Quesnel Sawmill as a groundskeeper and Indigenous liaison, where she supports reconciliation efforts, Indigenous education, and employee inclusion. Grace is pursuing a post-diploma in human resources, working towards becoming a stronger advocate for Indigenous employees and leaders of the forestry industry.
"I am overflowing with gratitude and support to be a recipient of the 2025 Skills Award for Indigenous Youth, presented by FPAC and the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM). As a young Indigenous woman, I want to acknowledge the support and dedication I have had from my family, nation, friends, and those that have challenged me, throughout my education, career and life.
“Being a recipient of the 2025 Skills Award for Indigenous Youth is the most amazing opportunity that has reminded me of my passions, vision and responsibility towards our next generations and Indigenous land Stewardship within forestry,” - Grace Currie.
For more information about the FPAC Indigenous Awards of Excellence, visit: https://www.fpac.ca/awards/fpac-indigenous-awards-of-excellence
FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. As an industry with annual revenues exceeding $87.2B, Canada’s forest products sector is one of the country’s largest employers—providing 200,000 direct jobs and operating in hundreds of communities across the country. Our members are committed to collaborating with Indigenous leaders, government bodies, and other key stakeholders to develop a cross-Canada action plan aimed at advancing forest health, while supporting workers, communities and our environment for the long term.
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