The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), Ottawa, Ont., and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) this past week announced that nominations are open for the 2016 Aboriginal Business Leadership Award. The $5,000 award recognizes and celebrates First Nations entrepreneurs for their success in a forest products business that exemplifies business leadership, exceptional environmental and safety performance, and the delivery of high-quality products and services. The recipient must also demonstrate a strong, long-term commitment to the Aboriginal community, particularly in supporting Aboriginal employment.

"Aboriginal communities and businesses play a large role in the success of the forest products industry," said Derek Nighbor, president, and CEO of FPAC. "The Aboriginal Business Leadership Award is an excellent way to recognize the leadership and excellence that is happening every day in our sector."

JP Gladu, president and CEO of CCAB, noted that "we are excited to be once again a part of this exciting initiative to recognize leadership excellence from Aboriginal businesses in the forest products industry. The forest sector and aboriginal communities work closely together to create and ensure ongoing sustainable economic prosperity."

There are now approximately 1,400 Aboriginal-owned (forest-related) businesses in Canada, and about 17,000 Aboriginal Canadians working in the sector, making the forest products industry one of the largest employer for First Nations workers.

This is the seventh time that the award will be handed out. Award nominees are judged against six criteria—business leadership, longevity in the sector, employment of Aboriginal peoples, safety and environmental performance, consistency of goods and services provided, and commitment to the Aboriginal community.

Nominations are due Sept. 26, 2016. The award will be handed out at the Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation Conference in Banff, Alberta. 

More information 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 is one of Canada's largest employers, operating in hundreds of 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.