First Nation forestry businesses throughout British Columbia will continue to receive the technical support they need to succeed, thanks to an additional $400,000 provided by the government of British Columbia.

The First Nations Forest Sector Technical Support Program helps First Nations develop new and existing forest-related businesses by providing technical advice and hands-on expertise. The program supports job creation, community development, market development and improved economic well-being.

Started in 2010 in a partnership with FPInnovations and the federal government with a total commitment of $1.2 million, the program has exceeded initial targets and engaged with more than 50 First Nations. As a result of the program:

• Twenty businesses have been created, maintained or expanded.
• More than $1.3 million in new capital investment in manufacturing capacity has been identified.
• Forty jobs have been created or maintained.

The results are easy to see on the ground at Stuwix Resources Joint Venture. Eight First Nations in the Merritt area are working collectively to manage six tenures. The Technical Support Program helped identify operational efficiencies in current harvesting and log hauling operations and communicate harvesting plans to their contractors.

Staff from FPInnovations will begin administering the next intake of the program and deploying industry advisors this month.

Learn More:

First Nations Forest Sector Technical Support Program: http://wealthfromforests.coppermoon.ca/