Feds and Province Announce Two Year Plan to Assist First Nations in Forestry

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 11:10 AM

Prince George, B.C. – The Federal and Provincial governments have made a joint announcement about a two year program to help First Nations develop or expand forestry operations.

$1.2 million is being provided for the First Nations Forest Sector Technical Support Program.

Participants will be provided with technical advice and hands-on expertise, such as best practices in harvesting, transportation, equipment selection, mill layout, manufacturing, market intelligence and market opportunities.

"The Technical Support Program directly addresses several recommendations in the 2009 report by the Working Roundtable on Forestry, particularly the goal of supporting First Nations in becoming full partners in forestry," said B.C. Minister of Forests Mines and Lands, Pat Bell. "We're pleased to be working closely with the federal government towards that goal."

"The First Nations Forest Sector Technical Support Program is the type of program needed by First Nations and First Nation entrepreneurs interested in developing or expanding a forest and wood products business," said Chief Bill Williams, president of the First Nations Forestry Council. "This program will help ensure we build successful

First Nation forest businesses and sustainable communities."

Over a two-year period, the Technical Support Program aims to expand the number of First Nation bands and businesses involved in forest and wood products industries, as well as increase employment within First Nation

communities. Industry experts with FPInnovations, the world's largest private, not-for-profit forest research institute, will supply information and guidance to First Nations businesses.

"FPInnovations is very pleased to be working directly with First Nations individuals and communities throughout the province as they create wealth from the forest," said Jim Dangerfield, executive vice-president of FPInnovations. "We'll be working closely with First Nations communities and our funding partners, the Province of B.C. and Western Economic Diversification, to determine where further investment in forest businesses will result in real community benefits."

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Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 11:10 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: r_u_serious on January 19 2011 12:12 PM

I hope this funding will lead to some good tax paying jobs

Posted by: ram tough perineum on January 19 2011 12:19 PM

How much of this money is going to actually hit the ground? You always read about all of this funding but it seems by the time the smoke clears almost all of it's been swallowed up in bureaucracy.

Posted by: Harbinger on January 19 2011 12:32 PM

Helping First Nations cutting down trees better? "...will result in real community benefits..." Please define whose "community". Be specific.

Posted by: gus on January 19 2011 1:13 PM

r_u_serious wrote: "I hope this funding will lead to some good tax paying jobs"

It states that "FPInnovations, the world's largest private, not-for-profit forest research institute, will supply information and guidance to First Nations businesses"

THAT is where the bulk of this money will likely go. This looks like "knowledge transfer" from industry "experts" to what will likely be mostly existing Aboriginal operated businesses in order for them to improve their competitiveness. I realize it says expand the number of businesses, but I am hoping it goes mainly to those who have already proven themselves and just need a bit more to take them that one step to becoming more self-sufficient without continually moving from this program to that program to supplement their income.

I would like to know more details about this.

In fact, I would like to know whether there is a parallel program that is not aboriginal specific.

Posted by: opine on January 19 2011 3:29 PM

Be careful Gus. You're dangerously close to playing the 'reverse discrimination card'

Wouldn't want to suggest that the white folks don't get anything cause of what they are not!

Posted by: acopolympics on January 19 2011 9:06 PM

why not?

Posted by: Palopu on January 19 2011 10:07 PM

At the end of the day the timber will be logged,,the pulp mills or pellet plants will use up the chips and hog fuel. Huge companies like West Fraser, Canfor, etc; will work with the First Nations so they can access the logs for lumber and that is that.

You need deep pockets to compete in the lumber/pulp and paper market these days. It matters little to these large companies as to where the logs come from, as long as they get them on the cheap.

As a matter of interest. The USA is the third largest exporter of logs to China after Russia, and New Zealand. Isnt that interesting.? Just in case there are still some people who think that BC is the main player in the world lumber markets.