Louisiana-Pacific has announced a new collaboration with the BC First Nations Forestry Council and will continue its partnership with ForestryWorks.
The company, based in Nashville, Tennessee, operates a mill in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John and has been active in the Peace Region since 1987.
The BC First Nations Forestry Council is a non-profit organization that seeks to increase the First Nations participation within BC’s Forest sector.
The organization envisions “a future in which British Columbia’s Forest sector has been transformed by the knowledge, skills, and leadership of the province’s First Nations.”
LP’s partnership with First Nations Forestry Council funds scholarships in the Indigenous Forestry Trades Program, which provides a paid practicum, mentorship from industry professionals, and classroom learning.
“Partnerships like this are key to creating long-term employment opportunities for First Nations across the province,” said BC First Nations Forestry Council CEO Lennard Joe.
ForestryWorks is part of the Forest Workforce Training Institute, a collaborative based in Alabama. The initiative was launched in 2018 with direct involvement from LP.
“ForestryWorks provides education, career awareness, and hands-on training to build a strong pipeline of skilled forestry workers,” said Louisiana-Pacific.
The building materials manufacturer said these partnerships reflect its commitment to responsible forest stewardship and the long-term benefits of wood-based materials in resilient and sustainable building practices.
“By investing in tomorrow’s workforce, we’re also investing in the continued success of renewable, high-performance building solutions,” said LP Chair and CEO Brad Southern.