B8 Terrace Review — Wednesday, October 17, 1990 Government seeks ways to increase native participation in B.C. forest industry During a recent visit to Terrace Forests Minister Claude Richmond and Native Affairs Minister Jack Weisgerber announced the estab- lishment of a task force on native forestry in B.C. “The task force will recommend, within 10 months, ways to increase native participation in the forest sector," says Richmond. The idea for the task force came through the Premier’s Council on Native Affairs from the Intertribal Forestry Association of B.C., ac- cording to Weisgerber, and will document the current level of native participation in forestry, identify and assess constraints on Harold Derickson govemment,” he said. "We will now meet with various bands and tribal councils in the province to get their views and recommenda- tions directly on how to increase native participation in the forest Don Moses, a Lower Nicola Band cattle rancher; Jack Toovey, a retired Vancouver forest industry executive; Bob Christie, chief forester for Gorman Bros. Lumber Ltd. of Kelowna; and Peter Levy, manager of native affairs for the B.C. Forest Service in Victoria. Skeena MLA Dave Parker was also present for the official an- nouncement. He noted that the Intertribal Forestry Association is J one of the most effective native lobby groups in the province and that Derickson was a member of 7 the steering committee for the & delivery of FRDA I funding. "This ; a ae (FRDA I) was head and shoulders the gignificant role of amall businesees in the national and native participation, examine exist- sector." over the other provinces and the iecal economy is being recognized through Smail Business Week. ing forestry-related government He added that the task force will key was the steering committee,” a proclamation to that effect was signed by Terrace mayor Jack . programs for native people, and also be meeting with forest indus- Parker said. "The dollars were -Tajctra recently, with Federal Business Development Bank local (\- recommend ways to increase try associations and other agencies effectively applied and Harold was manager Paul Williams and Terrace and District Chamber of i. | native participation in the industry. The President and manager of the Intertribal Forestry Association, Harold Derickson, was present for who are directly involved with native people to help to create and maintain opportunities in the forest sector. extremely important in its deli- very." Commerce president Doug Smith. the announcement. "This task force Derickson will chair the six- 7 [s is the first of its kind to be estab- member task force which includes: lished by a native forestry organi- Earl James Smith, chief of the gation and the provincial Ehattesaht Band, Campbell River, | ‘Where To Find It Terrace 2803 K Street e enney Stree Tree Trimming Terrace, B.C. B& G Will Co wenyed tree!