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Nominations open for Aboriginal business award

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) announced on Sept. 8 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.”

“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,” said JP Gladu, the president and CEO of CCAB.

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.

Nominations are due September 26, 2016. The award will be handed out at the Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation Conference in Banff, Alberta. For more information go to www.FPAC.ca/BusinessLeadershipAward.