A locally-based logging company has won an award for excellence in aboriginal business leadership.
LTN Contracting Ltd., a partnership between the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation and Roga Contracting Ltd., was presented with the award, sponsored by the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) this week in Vancouver.
LTN general manager and director Troy Young said it was an honour to receive the award.
"You've seen what's happened to the forest economy and to see a First Nations company to go through that battering and come out the other side and be successful, I think it's a testament to the perseverance and endurance we've had to have to make it through," Young said.
Over the 15 years it's been in business, LTN has increased its contract volume tenfold.
"We've got a customer in Canfor who's done a very good job of fostering us to grow our business and become better at the business," Young said.
"We've got our members at Lheidli T'enneh who have entrusted us with the business and have allowed us to develop it and without everyone coming together, this wouldn't have taken place."
Young said it appears the company's education fund set it apart from others seeking the award.
It has helped about 60 Lheidli T'enneh get training and schooling in such pursuits as hair dressing, cooking, teaching and law.
"We generate profit for the band but more importantly, we want to start building capacity within the community," Young said.
The $5,000 award "celebrates aboriginal entrepreneurs for their success in a forest products business that exemplifies business leadership, exceptional environmental and safety performance and the deliver of high-quality products and services."
