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Indigenous People

Weyerhaeuser is committed to developing and maintaining positive relationships with aboriginal communities wherever we operate.

For example, in Canada, where Weyerhaeuser is a steward of public land, we work to support and sustain the role of aboriginal peoples in Canadian forests. Our relationships with aboriginal communities include:

  • Contractual relationships for timber harvesting, forest silviculture, infrastructure development, and the supply of other goods and services
  • Involvement with and donations to aboriginal initiatives
  • Support for education to help develop employment skills
  • Employment opportunities
  • Mutual sharing of information and goals with a view to understanding and accommodation

Weyerhaeuser also works with key contractors and suppliers to develop awareness about respectful workplace behavior and encourages them to ensure their work forces reflect the populations where they operate.

Weyerhaeuser’s policies address best practices for forest products companies’ relationships with indigenous peoples, including:

  • Participation and consultation: Forest operations should include the meaningful participation of and consultation with local communities and indigenous peoples affected by those operations
  • Respect for the rights of indigenous peoples: Forest operations should respect indigenous peoples’ rights, which may include land tenure, treaty rights, and rights to traditional or customary uses. Forest operations should recognize and support government-to-government processes to establish and reconcile these rights.
  • Capacity building: Forest operations should build the capacity of indigenous peoples to work in the industry sector and enhance the value of local resources through fair, equitable and mutually beneficial relationships.
  • Cultural identity: Forest operations should understand and acknowledge indigenous cultures, heritages and traditions and promote traditional knowledge and practices.
  • Just and fair dispute resolution: Forest operations should resolve conflicts through just and fair procedures.

   Sustainability in Action
A fresh perspective

When Rick Laboucan was approached by our Human Resources department about spending time with an Aboriginal student for the summer, he thought it was a great idea.

"My own background is Cree, and I was happy to provide the opportunity," says Rick, mechanical maintenance team leader at our Grande Prairie, Alberta, pulp mill.

The opportunity was created by the Aboriginal Job Shadow Program, which is coordinated by the Grande Prairie Regional College in conjunction with aboriginal organizations, industry partners and the government.

So in came Dallas Lizotte, a Métis who was 16 years old at the time. He spent six weeks at Weyerhaeuser, spending time in shipping and receiving, the electrical department, the machine shop, the welding shop, and the rebuild shop, as well as with Laboucan, who is a millwright.

"Dallas went to our morning meetings, where we talked about everything from risk assessment to the day's activities," Laboucan says. "It was also good for our seasoned veterans to work with a student and get a fresh perspective."

In addition to the time and effort from Weyerhaeuser mentors, the company also donated $7,500 to the overall program, which is matched by federal dollars. Students, who often come from a long distance, live at Grande Prairie Regional College during the summer and receive a stipend and a bonus for completing the program.

Laboucan says the pulp mill will welcome students again.

"I think it's a very worthwhile program," he says. "It helps the students experience the real world, get focused, and gain more knowledge about what's available once they leave school."

Last updated June 10, 2011.