The B.C. First Nations Forestry Council is about to start a two-year study to determine the role of mentorship in the attraction and retention of First Nations workers to the industry.
The study, funded by the two senior levels of government, intends to identify current and future workforce opportunities, barriers and solutions that will create a framework for a First Nations forestry mentorship.
“Passing on knowledge to the next generation is an important cultural practice within Indigenous communities,” said Chief Bill Williams, president of the Forestry Council. “Historically, many Nations have always had elements of mentorship embedded within their communities.”
The project will look at existing employment practices in the industry as a building block to establish a framework that will mirror First Nations’ practices.
“The concept of mentorship may have a wide range of meanings professionally, culturally, and socially,” said Karen Sorensen, workforce development manager at the Forestry Council. “We look forward to collaborating with Nations, industry, and the B.C. government to define and better understand the role mentorship can play in increasing First Nations involvement in the forestry workforce.”
The council has invited individuals from Indigenous communities, industry, and educational groups to take part in an online survey (surveymonkey.com/r/9DRHDCR) to contribute their perspectives on the meaning and role of mentorship.
