FPAC, CCFM Open Applications for Sixth Annual Skills Awards for Aboriginal Youth

 

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM), Ottawa, Ont., Canada, have opened applications for the seventh annual Skills Awards for Aboriginal Youth program.

 

Since 2012, the Skills Award for Aboriginal Youth has been recognizing exceptional Aboriginal youth who go above and beyond to support their communities and contribute to the forest sector. In 2015, FPAC collaborated with CCFM to expand the program and offer two awards.

 

The two awards, each worth $2,500, will honor First Nations, Métis, or Inuit individuals with strong academic standing who are committed to their field of study and to pursuing a career in the forest sector. 

 

"Aboriginal governments, communities, businesses, and individuals play a huge role in the success of the forest sector" said Derek Nighbor, CEO, FPAC. "We must encourage youth to continue fostering relationships between communities and industry for the benefit of Canada's forests for generations to come." 

 

Honorable Jim Carr, minister of Natural Resources Canada, noted that "the participation of Indigenous youth is essential to the forest industry's continued success. I encourage all Indigenous youth who have a passion for forestry to consider applying. Together, we can achieve great things as the forest industry moves toward a low-carbon future."

 

Nominations for the annual Skills Awards for Aboriginal Youth will be open until March 31, 2018. The two awards will be presented at FPAC's Forest Day in Ottawa on May 23, 2018. 

 

Information on how to apply is available online.       

  

FPAC provides a voice for Canada's wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $65-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 2% of Canada's GDP and operates in over 600 communities, providing 230,000 direct jobs across the country.

 

The CCFM provides an important forum for the federal, provincial, and territorial governments responsible for forests to work cooperatively to address major areas of common interest. The Council provides leadership on national and international issues and sets direction for the stewardship and sustainable management of Canada's forests.