For Immediate Release:
[Richmond, BC] – Last night, Lana Wilhelm, Director of Indigenous Relations for Paper Excellence Canada, received the prestigious Women in Forestry Award of Excellence from the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC).
“I’m honoured that my work bridging incredibly diverse communities and interests within the forest industry has been recognized in this way,” said Wilhelm. “I wholeheartedly believe that the business of forestry has an important role and responsibility to meet in our nation’s Truth and Reconciliation journey.”
The Women in Forestry Award of Excellence recognizes the contributions and leadership of women in the forest sector. Recipients must demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a commitment to the forest industry. Wilhelm meets these requirements in spades.
“On our team we are proud to have members like Lana Wilhelm, a forester who has spent over 20 years deeply involved in promoting a sustainable and collaborative forest industry that meaningfully includes Indigenous communities,” said Richard Tremblay, President of Pulp and Tissue at Paper Excellence Group of Companies. “Lana launched our Indigenous Relations program and, five years later, she has had a major impact on the way we operate and maintain dialogue with Indigenous communities at all levels of the company in Canada. Throughout her professional career, Lana has focused on the pursuit of collaborative solutions with Indigenous peoples.”
Wilhelm also doesn’t hesitate to act as a guide to the next generation. Within the Canadian Armed Forces’ Canadian Ranger program, she has mentored youth in Junior Ranger summer programs in BC. She also mentors young female Indigenous students and interns through Project Learning Tree Canada’s Green Mentor program and volunteers as a coach for various initiatives such as the Bears Lair Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur Dream Camp.
“I believe in lifting up the next generation so they can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the forest industry,” said Wilhelm. “It’s important to provide the shoulders for the next generation to stand on.”
A Registered Professional Forester in British Columbia, Wilhelm holds bachelor’s degrees in both Art and Science from Concordia University PQ and the University of Northern British Columbia respectively.
Further information on the FPAC’s Awards of Excellence Program can be found here: FPAC Awards of Excellence.
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Paper Excellence Canada, headquartered in British Columbia, is a diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers in Canada with a production capacity of over 2.5 million tonnes annually and a workforce of more than 2,000. Paper Excellence is pleased to work in partnership with communities where we operate as a major employer of choice and market leader.
Media Contact:
Brenda Martin, Public Affairs Manager
Cell: 236-982-0484
Email: media@paperexcellence.com
