The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) have named Percy Guichon, chief of the Alexis Creek Indian Band, and Tsi Del Del Enterprises of Chilanko Forks, B.C. winners of the FPAC/AFN Business Leadership Award.
The award was set up to recognize Indigenous entrepreneurs for success in forestry businesses that exemplify leadership, exceptional environmental and safety performance, high-quality products and a strong, long-term commitment to the indigenous community, particularly in supporting indigenous employment.
Avrim Lazar, president and CEO of FPAC, said “Percy Guichon and the workers at Tsi Del Del have truly shown excellence, reliability and creativity in promoting the economic goals of the forestry sector in the remote Chilcotin region of B.C.”
Tsi Del Del employs around 30 people, about 80% of them are First Nation workers, and is a joint venture company with Tolko Industries Ltd. The company also sets aside $0.50 for every cubic metre logged for an education trust fund that provides post-secondary education or trades and technology training for band members.
National chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo said “Percy Guichon was a band councillor for 12 years before he decided to take a forestry technician course. Going back to school certainly has paid huge dividends for his community.
“Tsi Del Del Enterprises now provides long-term employment and business opportunities that are enhancing the quality of life for Alexis Creek Band Members. The company has also provided a true model for co-operation between indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.”
There are approximately 1,400 indigenous owned businesses in Canada, and about 17,000 First Nations people working in the forestry sector, making the forest products industry the largest employer of native workers.
Jennifer Harrison