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Paper Excellence Canada’s Lana Wilhelm takes home FPAC award
September 25, 2024 By Paper Excellence
Photo: Paper Excellence Lana Wilhelm, director of Indigenous relations for Paper Excellence Canada, is the newest awardee of the Forest Products Association of Canada’s prestigious Women in Forestry Award of Excellence.
“I’m honoured that my work bridging incredibly diverse communities and interests within the forest industry has been recognized in this way,” said Wilhelm in a press release. “I wholeheartedly believe that the business of forestry has an important role and responsibility to meet in our nation’s Truth and Reconciliation journey.”
The Women in Forestry Award of Excellence recognizes the contributions and leadership of women in the forest sector. Recipients must demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a commitment to the forest industry. Wilhelm meets these requirements in spades.
“On our team we are proud to have members like Lana Wilhelm, a forester who has spent over 20 years deeply involved in promoting a sustainable and collaborative forest industry that meaningfully includes Indigenous communities,” said Richard Tremblay, president of pulp and tissue at Paper Excellence Group of Companies.
“Lana launched our Indigenous relations program and, five years later, she has had a major impact on the way we operate and maintain dialogue with Indigenous communities at all levels of the company in Canada. Throughout her professional career, Lana has focused on the pursuit of collaborative solutions with Indigenous peoples.”
Paper Excellence said Wilhelm neither hesitates to act as a guide to the next generation.
Within the Canadian Armed Forces’ Canadian Ranger program, she has mentored youth in junior ranger summer programs in BC. She also mentors young female Indigenous students and interns through Project Learning Tree Canada’s Green Mentor program and volunteers as a coach for various initiatives such as the Bears Lair Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur Dream Camp.
“I believe in lifting up the next generation so they can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the forest industry,” said Wilhelm. “It’s important to provide the shoulders for the next generation to stand on.”
A Registered Professional Forester in British Columbia, Wilhelm holds bachelor’s degrees in both Art and Science from Concordia University PQ and the University of Northern British Columbia respectively.
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