A new report by B.C.’s Forest Practices Board is calling for urgent action by the provincial government to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire in British Columbia.
The report, Forest and Fire Management in BC Toward Landscape Resilience, highlights an urgent need to change how B.C.’s forests and landscapes are managed.
Read more and download the report here.
Snuneymuxw Territory (Nanaimo, B.C.) – The Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program (IFSP) is an existing program that the Forestry Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Forests has developed. The program is designed to grow and connect Indigenous talent to BC Forest Sector Workforce opportunities. It is a work and study mentorship program that provides the opportunity for Indigenous students to access funding and enter into forestry-related training or educational programs plus a mentored summer work experience in their field.
The program provides Indigenous students with:
Our work includes helping Indigenous students find appropriate pathways to work placements they are interested in, and providing continuous support to keep them on track towards their professional development and success. IFSP also supports retention and advancement by providing opportunities for upgrading and laddering to gain the skills.
Our relationships with First Nations communities, organizations and individuals are the foundation, and key, to the success of the IFSP program and enhances our ability to recruit, mentor, and connect the students with industry partners.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Fill out an intake form. Anyone interested in the Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program must complete the intake form in order to receive their application.
2. Once you have submitted the intake form, our Workforce Advisor will get in touch directly with your application form.
3. Before sending your application in, compile all of the necessary documentations to go with the application (See page 1 of the application form for a list of documents you'll need to attach with your application).
4. E-mail your completed application to workforce@forestrycouncil.ca with all of the necessary attachments. (You can also submit your completed application by mail to 669 Centre Street, Nanaimo BC V9R 4Z5)
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Media Contact
Email: christiana@forestrycouncil.ca
Phone: 604-971-3448 ext.46351
The Forestry Council is an advocacy organization that works to support Nations in efforts to increase their role in the governance and stewardship of forest lands and resources, and participation in the forest sector as full partners. We do not represent the Nations, nor are we a consultatory body.
The BC First Nations Forestry Council is thrilled to announce Lennard Joe, RPF, as new Chief Executive Officer as of August 15, 2022.
“I am excited to lead this amazing, diverse organization in our vital work to support Nations in efforts to increase our role in the governance and stewardship of forest lands and resources, and participation in the forest sector as full partners.
As the original stewards, and with a knowledge that goes back generations, First Nations are key players in the transformation of the forest sector in BC, addressing the economic, social, cultural, and environmental challenges of managing forest lands and resources. I will continue to uphold these values as we move forward in our work. I will continue to lead and promote the implementation of processes to restore the land and ecosystem, to work with partner organizations, such as the First Nations Leadership Council and others, to increase efficiencies and benefits to First Nations communities, and to work with governments and others to ensure that First Nations' interests, values, and principles are factored into forestry-related policy and program development.
In the coming years, I commit to lead this organization forward in its goals and further establish the connection between First Nations and our lands, as well as the forest sector and the environment. There is a need for meaningful and informed action regarding legislation and policy, as well as employment and support.
We, as an organization, will continue to move forward with First Nations interests at heart and ensure that they are seeing the engagement, respect, revenue, and relationships that are deserved. I look forward to leading innovative endeavours as we continue to advise, engage, mentor, and support First Nations in the BC forest sector.” – Lennard Joe
“The Board fully endorses Lennard Joe as Chief Executive Officer,” said Chief Bill Williams (ta-lall-SHAM-cane siyam), President of the Board of Directors. “We are confident in his ability to lead through meaningful engagement with First Nations and thoughtful action. We look forward to working with Lennard to continue our necessary work uplifting First Nations and ensuring our communities are full partners in the BC forest sector.”
Click here to read a letter from the new CEO.
