Opitciwan joint-venture sawmill located in Quebec has been awarded the Aboriginal Forest Products Business Leadership Award

Opitciwan joint-venture sawmill located in Quebec has been awarded the Aboriginal Forest Products Business Leadership Award by the Forest Products Association of Canada and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. The sawmill is a joint venture between the Atikamekw Council of Obedjiwan and Resolute Forest Products. The council has a 55 per cent controlling interest. “The success of this operation lies in the complementary strengths of the partners,” said Richard Garneau, president and CEO. “The Atikamekw community has a deep knowledge of the territory and a talented workforce, while Resolute contributes through its forestry expertise and sales structure. We also share a common interest in ensuring that the forests we rely upon continue to provide for the cultural, environmental and economic needs of future generations.” The award recognizes and celebrates Aboriginal entrepreneurs for their success in a forest products business that exemplifies industry leadership, exceptional environmental and safety performance, and the delivery of high-quality products and services.