Vancouver, B.C. – The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for the 2022 Forestry Scholarship. This year, COFI is awarding 13 $2,000 scholarships, including three COFI Indigenous Forestry Scholarships in continued partnership with the New Relationship Trust Foundation (NRTF).
“COFI is pleased to continue to support the next generation of foresters, biologists, technicians and more, as they advance their educational goals and work towards a career in the forest industry,” said Susan Yurkovich, President and CEO of COFI. “These bright young minds will contribute to the future growth and sustainability of our sector, including the Indigenous students that will be supported through our continued partnership with the New Relationship Trust Foundation.”
“The New Relationship Trust Foundation is very excited to continue to partner with the BC Council of Forest Industries to offer Indigenous focused forestry scholarships,” said Matt Cook-Contois, Senior Associate – Programs Specialist, NRTF. “Indigenous students face an inordinate number of barriers when planning to attend post-secondary programs. COFI is demonstrating a strong commitment to reconciliation by investing in Indigenous education and providing Indigenous students further opportunity to build a stronger Indigenous future.”
COFI awards the scholarships each year to students pursuing post-secondary education or training in a skilled trades program associated with the forest industry. COFI established its scholarship in 2007 with the goal of encouraging young people in B.C. to choose a professional, technical or trades career in the forest sector.
The closing date for applying for the scholarships this year is June 24, 2022. For more information on eligibility and application requirements, visit COFI’s Scholarship webpage.
Indigenous students are encouraged to apply for the NRTF-COFI awards through the New Relationship Trust Foundation. For more information on the NRT Foundation and its programs, please visit nrtf.ca.
– 30 –
About the BC Council of Forest Industries
The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) represents the majority of lumber, pulp and paper, and manufactured wood producers across the province – an industry that remains a cornerstone of the economy, supporting good jobs and a better quality of life for British Columbians.
COFI advocates for the interests of its members and works with government, First Nations, communities, labour and other partners to promote a healthy, diversified and sustainable forest industry that benefits people and families across BC.
As BC’s forest industry continues to adapt and evolve, our vision is to be a globally competitive forest sector that continues to deliver low-carbon products that are good for the planet and is a model for the world in environmental care, product innovation and technological advances.
To achieve this vision, we recognize our environmental, social, governance and economic performance must reflect the evolving priorities of our communities of interests, including employees, communities, Indigenous Peoples, supply chain partners, customers, shareholders, investors and governments.
Guiding us in the work we do each day is our Statement of Sustainability Commitments and Statement on Reconciliation.
About COFI’s Forest Education Program
COFI’s Forest Education Program is an award-winning program for students from Grades K-12. The goal of the program is to provide current information for educators and students about B.C.’s rich, world-class forest resources and the educational and career opportunities that are possible in our province’s forests and manufacturing facilities.
About the NRT Foundation
The New Relationship Trust Foundation (NRTF) is the largest Indigenous-run education charity in British Columbia (BC). Since 2008, the New Relationship Trust and NRT Foundation have awarded 3,388 scholarships and bursaries totalling $15.4 million in post-secondary financial aid.
Media contacts:
Adam McPhee
778.558.3031
Matt Cook-Contois
604.925.3338