Listening at the core of Teal Jones’ approach to partnering with First Nations

Businesses have an important role to play in reconciliation, says Teal Jones’ spokesperson.

In BC, where the forest industry remains one of the largest sectors, successful partnerships between the industry and First Nations can play a major part in economic reconciliation.

Working on forest lands throughout BC since 1946, forestry firm Teal Jones is one example of a company with a decades-long history of productive partnerships with First Nations. Teal Jones has struck working relationships with 106 First Nations in BC in recent years, the specifics of each engagement varying widely with the interests of individual First Nations.

“Teal Jones acknowledges the ancestral territories of all First Nations on which we operate and is committed to reconciliation,” says Conrad Browne, Teal Jones’ Director of Indigenous Partnerships and Strategic Relations. “The specific interests of First Nations are unique to their circumstances, so working across different territories requires that we take an approach based on listening to understand the interests of each local First Nation and adapting our approach accordingly. There are wide-ranging opportunities to partner to our mutual benefit if we are just willing to really listen and work together to craft solutions that meet unique local needs.”

Teal Jones has worked with some First Nations with their own woods operations interested in a market for their trees, which Teal Jones was able to provide. In other cases it can go the other way – a First Nation may be starting a mill and needs fibre and support with training, equipment, and expertise. They might be interested in jobs for their people, or compensation for the impact of logging trucks driving through their community. Whatever the case, the path forward begins with acknowledging and listening, according to the company.

“Taking the approach we do isn’t just good business that opens up opportunities for both Teal Jones and First Nations interested in working with us, but ensures we are doing our part to support the higher purpose of acknowledging the past and pursuing reconciliation across BC and Canada,” Browne adds. “Businesses have an important role to play.”

Teal Jones supported the 2022 Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase, which returns for its fifth year in 2024. Readers can learn more about the event by visiting www.indigenoussucess.ca.