CCR’s Presentation at the 2024 DEMO International Conference Highlights the Importance of Indigenous Leadership in Forestry

Williams Lake, B.C. – In yet another step toward reconciliation, Percy Guichon, executive director of Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR), was invited to speak at the 2024 DEMO International Conference on September 17 in Ottawa. Guichon participated in the "Logging Around the World" session, where his talk, part of a broader discussion on the evolving challenges and opportunities in the forestry sector, resonated with industry leaders and peers and emphasized the critical role of Indigenous knowledge and leadership have in sustainable forest management.

“Being invited to share our story through such an important platform, is a significant milestone for CCR. It validated the efforts of our team to take a leadership role as First Nations in forestry,” said Guichon, who also remarked on the timely relevance of his presentation in the context of National Forestry Week, which this year carries the theme "Two-Eyed Seeing: Welcoming all knowledge to sustain our forests."

“This year’s National Forestry Week theme emphasizes the importance of including a multitude of voices, and part of that work is integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern forestry practices. This approach is at the core of what we do through CCR. Being part of a conversation that is increasingly inclusive of Indigenous voices is both validating and inspiring,” he added.

Photos: Percy Guichon, executive director of Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR), presenting at the 2024 DEMO International Conference. Photo credit: DEMO International Conference

Guichon’s presentation, titled "A Small First Nation Making Big Impact in B.C.," showcased the innovative and resilient efforts of the Tŝideldel First Nation (TFN) and Tl’etinqox Government (TNG) in the Cariboo Chilcotin region of British Columbia. The presentation particularly impressed upon the attendees how the two remote First Nations have successfully combined traditional knowledge with modern forestry practices to drive social, environmental, and economic benefits.

Through the presentation, Guichon delved into the challenges faced by CCR, including Mountain Pine beetle infestations and wildfires that have devastated thousands of hectares of forest. Despite these significant challenges, the First Nations have led with innovation, ingenuity, and resilience in rehabilitating the land and taking the lead in decision-making on their territory.

Guichon shared how TFN and TNG are forging impactful partnerships with various levels of government, neighbouring First Nations, and industry. By blending traditional knowledge with modern technologies, CCR is excelling in a range of forestry operations, from logging and biomass production to community forestry initiatives and log cabin construction.

“The feedback we received following the presentation was encouraging. It’s clear there is a growing recognition of the value of Indigenous perspectives in forestry. Our story, rooted in our First Nations’ approach to land management, struck a chord with many who see the integration of traditional knowledge as essential to the future of forestry,” said Guichon.

For more stories about the work CCR is undertaking, visit: www.centralcr.ca