Awards

FPAC-CCAB Indigenous Business Leadership Award 2022

September 22, 2022 - As National Forest Week is celebrated across the country, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) is seizing the opportunity to announce the recipients of its annual Awards of Excellence program. Today, FPAC announced that Ntityix Resources LP of West Kelowna, BC is being honoured with the Indigenous Business Leadership Award.

The Indigenous Business Leadership Award, presented by FPAC in partnership with Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), celebrates Indigenous entrepreneurs in the forest products sector who exemplify business leadership through exceptional environmental and safety performance and the delivery of high-quality products and services. The recipient must also demonstrate a long-term commitment to the Indigenous community, particularly in supporting Indigenous employment.

“The forest products sector works in partnership with over 1,400 Indigenous-owned businesses, each of which are critical partners in advancing forest health and economic prosperity in our forestry communities,” said FPAC President and CEO Derek Nighbor. “The Indigenous Business Leadership Award provides FPAC and CCAB with the opportunity to highlight the great work being done in these communities and showcase how Indigenous business leaders like Ntityix Resources LP are driving environmental, economic, and social opportunities across the country,” he added.

About Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)

FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. As an Industry with annual revenues exceeding $75B, Canada’s forest products sector is one of the country’s largest employers operating in over 600 communities, providing 225,000 direct jobs, and over 600,000 indirect jobs across the country.

Provincial Community Forest Award 2021

Westbank First Nation has received a community forest award, along with a $10,000 grant, from the provincial government.

 "Local governments, community groups and First Nations manage community forests for the benefit of the entire communities where they are located," said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. Due to COVID-19, the Robin Hood Memorial Award was not given out in 2020. So yesterday, I had the distinct honour of presenting two awards that will represent the winners of both 2020 and 2021. Both West Boundary and Westbank First Nation community forests exemplify the values of the program by looking for new ways to diversify economic interests."

The Robin Hood Memorial Award for Excellence in Community Forestry and accompanying grant are given annually to the community forest best exemplifying the values exhibited by the late Robin Hood - a British Columbia community forest pioneer - and the B.C. Community Forest Awards.

This community forest is managed by Ntityix Resources LP – Heartland Economics Ltd. For Ntityix, this award represents our continued efforts in progressive forestry practices, environmental stewardship, community benefits, and employment. We thank the BCCFA for this award.

Community-Owned Business of the Year 2014

In 2014, Heartland Economics (2006) Ltd (Ntityix Resources LP) was awarded the BC Aboriginal Community-Owned Business of the Year award.

The sixth annual BC Aboriginal Business Awards have been announced by Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, the presenting organization of Awards. The honourees were celebrated at a gala award ceremony on October 15, 2014 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

“Entrepreneurial spirit is alive and growing in British Columbia’s Aboriginal communities,” said Premier Christy Clark. “The success of our Aboriginal entrepreneurs plays a crucial role in strengthening First Nations communities and our whole economy. The 6th annual Aboriginal Business Achievement Awards are a great opportunity to honour their achievements.”

“This year’s awardees represent excellence and demonstrate success in a variety of fields of business in British Columbia including tourism, marine services, civil construction, aviation, camp and catering services, forestry, recreational facilities, cleaning and support services and aesthetics.” added Keith Mitchell.

ABOUT THE AWARD

2014 BC Aboriginal Business Awards

The BC Aboriginal Business Awards were launched in 2008 to honour and celebrate business excellence in six categories. A total of 16 Aboriginal businesses, entrepreneurs, joint ventures and community-owned enterprises will be recognized. Members of the jury panel include John Harper of Victoria, Annita McPhee of North Vancouver and Ruth Williams of Kamloops.