Indigenous Relations
Building Meaningful Relationships
OUR APPROACH
Creating Value Together
Our approach includes ongoing engagement, dialogue and the incorporation of traditional knowledge in forest management operations. We work with approximately 130 Indigenous partners across Canada, including more than 100 Indigenous governments. These relationships support shared outcomes through workforce, community and economic engagement across our operations.
This work is reflected across four areas of focus: leadership actions, employment, business development and community relations. Our approach is also informed by the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) framework.
Leadership Actions
West Fraser’s approach to Indigenous relations is grounded in strong leadership commitment, supported by clear policies, transparent practices and a culture strengthened through ongoing awareness and training.
Our leaders play a key role in building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous Nations, engaging with communities and supporting ongoing dialogue at the local level. This helps maintain a consistent approach across our operations.
Employment
West Fraser is committed to achieving equitable representation of Indigenous Peoples in our workforce by recruiting and retaining Indigenous talent, reducing barriers to employment and fostering culturally aware, inclusive workplaces.
We support current and future Indigenous employees through workforce readiness, career development and advancement opportunities that enable long-term growth across our operations.
Business Development
West Fraser is committed to increasing the participation of Indigenous Peoples in our business through procurement, partnerships and other economic opportunities.
We work with Indigenous-owned businesses across a range of activities within our operations, supporting capacity building, providing mentorship and expanding participation. These relationships are developed in collaboration with communities to reflect local priorities.
Community Relations
West Fraser works with Indigenous Nations through a community-by-community approach, engaging with more than 80 communities across our operating areas.
These relationships are grounded in locally defined priorities and supported through formal and informal agreements—including dozens of mutually agreed-upon engagement processes—that support dialogue, transparency and shared decision-making. We dedicate the time and resources needed to sustain these relationships and maintain consistent, long-term engagement.
Our approach to Indigenous relations is guided by our Indigenous Peoples’ Policy and Leadership Commitment Statement, which set expectations for how we engage with Indigenous Nations across our operations. Our practices and interactions are informed by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), supporting a consistent and respectful approach.
Indigenous Training & Employment
We support Indigenous participation in our workforce through targeted initiatives that improve access, support development and strengthen long-term career opportunities.
Reducing Barriers
West Fraser works to understand and address the barriers to advancing Indigenous participation in our workforce.
We provide scholarships and workforce readiness programs. We also support youth employment initiatives, including running the Indigenous Forestry Training Program and sponsoring the Outland Youth Employment Program.
Recruiting & Retaining Talent
We want to attract Indigenous talent and provide career support, development and advancement opportunities specifically for Indigenous employees so they continue to grow and thrive as members of our team.
We promote the mobility of Indigenous employees throughout employment sectors and levels.
Enhancing Awareness
West Fraser recognizes our responsibility to continue to deepen our understanding and awareness of Indigenous matters across the company. We provide cross-cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity training to employees at all levels. We also participate in Indigenous workforce inclusion conferences as part of our ongoing efforts to support Indigenous employment.
Indigenous Relations Stories
