The Terrace Slandard, Wednesday, May 7, 1997 - “y a alle led eee INATIO! WEEK : ee MAY 4-10, 1997 | ____. Kitamaat to benefit from forest program IN B.C. FORESTRY is to the economy what trees are to the forest: essential to its existence. Although always connected to the forest, the First Nations community has not necessarily been directly ‘involved in forestry. . The First Nations Forestry Program ‘encourages First Na- tions throughout Canada to par- ticipate in forest economic de- velopment. The response to the first request’ for proposals -was overwhelming with 43 projects approved... - An example of support in the Skeena area is the $35,000 that will assist the Haisla Nation, through the Kitamaal Village council, to develop possible economic . development op- portunities with help from the Kamloops Indian Band, A business feasability study will be. undertaken to explore the possibility of devéloping a log home export business to op- erate from the Kitamaat area. By working with and learning from Kamloops band members, the Haisla- Nation will expand their knowledge and experience in this area. Throvgh this cooperation, the two first nations communities will develop: forestry expertise and explore this important eco- nomic opportunity. ; Another example is the $30,000 contribution to assist the Kispiox Band council in its efforts to create a community forestry development —_ plan while increasing forestry aware- ness Within this First Nations community. ' The council, which already has a record of activity in forest management through a watershed restoration project, will expand its efforts through the creation of a community committee ands, will explore other possible value-added and recreational opportunities, ' FRAC money has also played a significant role in the coun- cil’s activities, Jointly financed by the Cana- dian Forest Service. (CFS) and the Department of Indian Af- fairs and Northern Develop- ment, the First Nations Forestry Program ‘was established to en- hance economic opportunities for First Nations both on and off reserves. The program provides finan- cial and technical assistance to - First Nations to ensure that they have the tools and skills needed to operate and participate in forest-based businesses across the country. *‘Opportunities are created so that there is more stability and enhancement with respect to economic growth,’’ said Nello Cataldo, BC Collaborative Forestry Program manager at the Pacific Forestry Centre. ‘A major aim of the program is to encourage joint ventures with off-reserve business part- ners. The program supports ac- tivilies that identify, encourage -and develop partnership - initia- tives, negotiation, business and forest management skills.” 139 proposals worth $15.5 million were submitted from in- terested parties throughout the province, which overwhelmed but pleased members of the management board. The 43 projects exhausted the $950,000 budget for the past fiscal year. In supporting finan- cially viable forestry operations, the First Nations Forestry Pro- gram creates more jobs and in- creases forest based business and economic opportunities both on and off reserve. Article courtesy the Cana- dian Forest Service. For more information on the First Nations Forestry Pro- _. gram and projects underway i in BC, see the forest service’s Website at: Attp://www.pfe.c{s.nrcan.ge.ca EXCAVATORS UNI-LOADER® SKID STEERS a Check out the features Powertul engines. Heavy-duty hydraulics. Built-in durability, Fast cycles for productivity. Dozens of attachments for versalliity, All this and more are found in the fullline of Case construction equipment. - With the best-selling loader/backhoes, rugged crawler dozers, tight- turning wheel loaders, and tough excavators, you ‘Wlinda Case machine to suit your needs. mw Check out the performance Case equipment is engineered to stay on the job in tough conditions. Excavate, dig, grade, load or mova material, with, . Productive, fast cycles and operator-lrieridly controls. Change alfachments and you'll’ find one machine can do the job of several, Backed by the Case warranty, our machinas are built to last. ~ PARKER: PACIFIC -" Amember of The intand Group 3671 Highway 16 East, Terrace SALES + SERVICE - PARTS 635-2992 Toll Free 1-800-663-6390 IN HOUSE FINANCING NATIONAL FOREST WEEK - MAY 4 -10