Tsideldel First Nation councillor Percy Guichon has been recognized for his dedication to forestry in the Cariboo Chilcotin region.
The BC First Nations Forestry Council announced Guichon, also the CEO of Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation, received the Innovation Award, one of the BCFNFC’s Forestry Awards of Excellence.
“This prestigious award recognizes Percy’s outstanding leadership in advancing Indigenous-led forest stewardship and creating a collaborative, culturally grounded land management model in British Columbia,” noted a Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation news release.
“Under Percy’s guidance, CCR has emerged as a pioneer in wildfire mitigation, reforestation, and land rehabilitation across the territories of its First Nation partners, reflecting what is possible when traditional knowledge, community priorities, and modern forestry practices work in unison.”
Under Guichon’s leadership, CCR has received over $40 million in project work that has supported local employment, ecological health, and long-term Nation-to-Nation collaboration.
“Many people from our Nations have carried the responsibility of caring for our lands and resources since time immemorial,” said Lennard Joe, Chief Executive Officer of the BC First Nations Forestry Council in the news release.
“Under the leadership of Percy Guichon, it has been inspiring to see Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. bring these cultural responsibilities to the forefront in today’s context, for the well-being of future generations.”
Guichon said he is honoured to receive this award on behalf of the team at Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd., and the Nations that comprise this joint venture.
“It was a wonderful surprise to receive this award, and I’m grateful for the opportunity for First Nations to take the lead in forestry and on our traditional territories. We as a group have done so much, and we look forward to the continued leadership, collaboration, and innovation we bring to the table.”
Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. is a First Nations-owned forestry company based in the Chilcotin region of British Columbia. Formed as a joint venture between Tŝideldel First Nation and Tl’etinqox Government, and joined by Yunesit’in Government in 2024, CCR is dedicated to ecological restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and community-driven forest management rooted in Indigenous values and leadership.
