Mosaic Forest Management Expands Progressive Aboriginal Relations Certification, Creates Indigenous Language Revitalization Fund
NANAIMO, B.C. – Mosaic Forest Management Corp., timberlands manager for TimberWest and Island Timberlands, is pleased to announce the successful expansion of bronze-level Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification across all Mosaic-managed lands.
TimberWest was the first forestry company in British Columbia to achieve PAR certification, and extending this certification to Island Timberlands-owned lands was a key commitment when the companies affiliated land management as Mosaic Forest Management in November 2018.
PAR certification is a program of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business that evaluates performance and impact in key areas important to Indigenous communities. Supported by independent third-party verification, certification under PAR signals that Mosaic Forest Management is a committed partner with the policies, systems, and resources dedicated to achieving positive outcomes in our Indigenous relationships.
In 2019, the United Nations is observing the International Year of Indigenous Languages. In support of this important initiative and in celebration of our expanded certification under PAR, Mosaic is creating a new fund to advance Indigenous language revitalization. This $25,000 fund will go to support the teaching, revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages within local First Nations communities.
Quotes
“Expanding PAR certification across all Mosaic-managed lands confirms our commitment to deepen and strengthen the important connections we have with Aboriginal business partners and communities. It is a foundation from which we will continue to work with First Nations business partners and communities to manage our lands and resources.”
Jeff Zweig, President & CEO of Mosaic Forest Management
“Our Nation shares a respectful and mutually rewarding business relationship with Mosaic, and we are pleased to work with a company that makes clear commitments to how they will work with First Nations communities and holds themselves accountable. Establishing a fund to support Indigenous languages is another step forward in our partnership, one that fulfills a critical need for our community.”
Chief Nicole Rempel, K’ómoks First Nation
“The Province of British Columbia is committed to true and lasting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, which requires partnerships across our province. I’m pleased to see companies in B.C. step forward in a leadership role to build lasting partnerships, be excellent business partners, and support the critical need to safeguard and revitalize Indigenous languages.”
The Honourable Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
“Leading companies like Mosaic Forest Management are showing the Canadian business community what is possible when reconciliation is built into business models. We are pleased to acknowledge the expansion of Progressive Aboriginal Relations certification to Mosaic’s full forest area, and look forward to working with them to advance their cultural, economic and environmental goals in partnership.”
JP Gladu, CEO Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
About Mosaic Forest Management Corp.
In November 2018, TimberWest and Island Timberlands affiliated under the management of Mosaic Forest Management Corp. to pursue a range of economic, social and environmental benefits. The affiliated companies have operated on Vancouver Island for over a century, delivering sustainable forest management within their private forest lands and Crown tenure areas. Mosaic employs several thousand people directly and indirectly to achieve the best economic, social and sustainability outcomes from the working forest. For more information, visit mosaicforests.com.
About Progressive Aboriginal Relations
Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) is a certification program that confirms corporate performance in Aboriginal relations. Certified companies promote their certification with a PAR Logo, which provides a high level of assurance to communities because the designation is supported by an independent, third party verification of company reports on outcomes and initiatives in four performance areas: Leadership Actions, Employment, Business Development, and Community Relationships – and a juried review by Aboriginal business people.
Media Inquiries
Karen Brandt
250-716-3718 / Karen.Brandt@MosaicForests.com