Launch of Indigenous Business Leadership Award

Forest Products Association of Canada (“FPAC”) and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (“CCAB”) announced that nominations are open for the 2019 Indigenous Business Leadership Award. The $5,000 award recognizes and celebrates Indigenous entrepreneurs for their success in a forest products business that exemplifies business leadership, environmental and safety performance, and product quality. The recipient must also demonstrate a strong, long-term commitment to the Indigenous community, particularly in supporting Indigenous employment.

“CCAB is proud to recognize the enormous accomplishments and economic potential of Indigenous businesses in the forest sector,” says J.P. Gladu, the president and CEO of CCAB. “Our organization aims to showcase the leadership and contributions of outstanding Indigenous business in Canada and the forest sector is a major contributor to the health and vitality of our Indigenous communities.”

Canada’s forest sector is one of the largest employers of Indigenous workers in Canada, with 1,400 Indigenous-owned businesses, and about 12,500 Indigenous employees. “In addition to the Award program, FPAC became an Aboriginal Procurement Champion last year,” noted President and CEO Derek Nighbor. He added, “Indigenous communities have played an important role in Canada’s forest products sector for decades, and we are always looking for ways to recognize excellence and encourage collaboration.”

Nominations are due March 31, 2019. Winners will be recognized and celebrated during FPAC’s annual award ceremony on May 9th, in Vancouver. To apply please visit http://www.fpac.ca/indigenous/business-leadership-award/.

About FPAC and CCAB

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $69-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 2% of Canada’s GDP and is one of Canada’s largest employers operating in more than 600 communities and providing 230,000 direct jobs across the country.

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) was founded in 1984 by a small group of visionary business and community leaders led by Murray Koffler. CCAB is committed to the full participation of Aboriginal people in Canada’s economy. A national non-profit organization, CCAB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to both mainstream and Aboriginal-owned companies that foster economic opportunities for Aboriginal people and businesses across Canada.

Contact:

Kerry Patterson-Baker – Vice President, Communications – kpatterson-baker@fpac.ca – (613) 563-1441 ext. 314

Source: Forest Products Association of Canada