亚洲天堂 Lake recently hosted an introductory session of the Aboriginal Forestry Initiative (AFI). The program is a federally funded undertaking that aims to increase the involvement of First Nations in the forest industry by pooling the resources of the Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada and 15 other federal departments and agencies.

In Northern B.C., the program is being administered by the Prince George Nechako  Aboriginal Employment and Training Association (PGNAETA). The goal of the program, according to program coordinator, Bruce Morin, is to connect people with entrepreneurial aspirations to a network of government and industry partners.

鈥淲e form a relationship with people who want to explore small business opportunities in the natural resource sectors,鈥� Morin said. 鈥淲e provide direction. We let people know what鈥檚 available and provide them with the direction they need.鈥�

An upcoming workshop in Vanderhoof (date still to be determined) will be the last of four introductory sessions held in the region.  Workshops where previously held in 亚洲天堂 Lake, Fort St. James and Prince George.

鈥淢any people have really good ideas, but they run into quite a few obstacles,鈥� Morin said of his workshop in 亚洲天堂 Lake last month. 鈥淲e鈥檙e trying to teach people how to clear those hurdles.鈥�

First Nations are the program鈥檚 target group, but the AFI isn鈥檛 exclusive to First Nations.

鈥淚鈥檝e never been one to turn anyone down who comes through the door looking for assistance,鈥� said Morin.

For more information visit http://pgnaeta.bc.ca/aboriginal-forestry-initiative