On September 23-24, TFL 44 LP and Western Forest Products presented at the BC First Nations Forestry Council’s virtual 2021 Indigenous Forestry Career Fair. The event was designed to offer Indigenous youth and students insight into the skills and education needed to join BC’s forestry industry, and to connect them with businesses in their area. Attendees were given opportunities to engage in discussion and ask questions of professionals in their region. To facilitate this, the fair was divided into four virtual booths based on BC Regions: Coastal, Central, Eastern and Northern. 

Marina Rayner, TFL 44 Employment and Training Manager and proud Huu-ay-aht member, represented Western Forest Products and TFL 44, among the approximately 30 exhibitors. Exhibitors, which included forestry companies, provincial agencies and post-secondary institutions, shared information and available opportunities with aspiring Indigenous foresters. Marina noted a specific interest from attendees about future employment opportunities in the forestry sector, understanding the industry, obtaining the necessary skills/required training, and which education programs to pursue in order to be successful in forestry. 

The opportunity to represent TFL 44 at the Fair continues our commitment to providing information and opportunities about work in the forestry sector for members of the 14 nations associated with the TFL 44 region. We look forward to the future of forestry and continued partnerships with Indigenous youth and students.