THUNDER BAY, ON – A landmark agreement has been forged between Cat Lake First Nation (CLFN) and PRT Growing Services Ltd., North America’s largest producer of forest seedlings. This partnership, announced today, marks a significant step towards sustainable socioeconomic development and environmental stewardship in Northwestern Ontario.
A Shared Vision for Forest Renewal and Community Growth
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlines collaborative efforts to support the regeneration of Canadian forests while empowering the Cat Lake community. The initiative includes workforce training, employment opportunities at PRT’s Dryden nursery, and the development of future nursery and seedling projects led by Cat Lake First Nation.
Chief Russell Wesley of Cat Lake First Nation highlighted the importance of the partnership:
“This collaboration provides an opportunity for our community to gain valuable skills while contributing to forest regeneration and sustainable economic success.”
PRT’s Commitment to Stewardship
PRT Growing Services, a key player in reforestation, sees this as a natural alignment with its mission. CEO Randy Fournier expressed his optimism:
“This partnership strengthens the environmental and economic opportunities within the reforestation value chain and demonstrates the power of collaboration in creating a sustainable future.”
Supporting Indigenous Leadership in Forestry
The agreement was formalized during the Cat Lake First Nation Bio-economy Stakeholder Meeting in Thunder Bay. This partnership is expected to drive long-term benefits for the community by integrating Indigenous leadership into the forestry sector, an essential industry for Canada’s economy and environment.
