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CentralCR
Dec 6, 2023

Local Indigenous Leader and Forestry Advocate Percy Guichon, Featured in National Publication

A local Indigenous leader and forestry advocate has been making news these past few months for his perceptive ideas around how reconciliation in forestry should and would look like. Percy Guichon, executive director of Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR) and Councillor of Tŝideldel First Nation, has gained national recognition with his insightful opinion piece on achieving reconciliation in forestry, featured in the latest issue of the Canadian Forest Industries (CFI) Magazine.


“I am honoured that the CFI Magazine has chosen to publish my opinion piece on Reconciliation in Forestry. While this is a step forward, there is still much work to be done to ensure that Indigenous perspectives are not only heard but actively incorporated into decision-making processes,” said Guichon. “Indigenous knowledge is a valuable asset for sustainable forestry practices, and it's crucial that we continue to break down barriers, empower our communities, and foster genuine reconciliation.”

In the article, Guichon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding the barriers Indigenous communities face in the forestry sector. Drawing upon his extensive experience as a forester and Indigenous leader, he sheds light on the challenges that have historically marginalized Indigenous voices and limited their participation in forestry-related decision-making processes.


“While many times I see the tendency to lean toward offering economic incentives as the solution to help heal past injustices, it’s becoming more evident to me that a more comprehensive approach is important,” writes Guichon in the opinion piece.


A local Indigenous voice being featured in the CFI Magazine’s Final Cut column is an important step forward for Indigenous representation in forestry. With this feature, CFI, whose woodbusiness.ca and social media audience reaches 14,000 subscribers, offered a national platform for Guichon's insights, amplifying the importance of Indigenous voices in the industry dialogue and promoting meaningful change in forestry practices.


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