SFI and PLT Canada’s Youth Delegate Program Grows Indigenous Forest Leaders

June 22, 2026

With new support from the Forest Products Association of Canada and Canadian Council of Forest Ministers

By Elaina Cox, Indigenous Relations Coordinator, SFI and PLT Canada

Since 2023, more than 165 young adults have participated in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)/Project Learning Tree Canada (PLT Canada) Youth Delegate program—designed to advance young people’s career pathways and leadership development in the forest sector.

This May, the program brought together 41 young leaders from communities across Canada and the U.S. for a week of learning, professional development, and networking at the 2026 SFI Annual Conference in Montréal, Quebec. This year was especially meaningful as we welcomed our largest group of Indigenous participants to date, with Indigenous youth representing 31% of the cohort. This was made possible thanks to the support from the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM).

“FPAC is proud to partner with the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers to support this year’s Youth Delegate program, particularly Indigenous youth participation at the SFI Annual Conference. Early exposure to the forest sector helps young people see both the opportunities ahead and the impact they can have. These youth are not only the future of the sector – they are already contributing to its evolution today.” Etienne Bélanger – Vice President, Indigenous Relations and Forestry, FPAC

Through collaboration with the BC First Nations Forestry Council, the Outland Youth Employment Program, FPAC, and CCFM, we recognized 13 Indigenous youth from British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario, who were eager to participate and advance their careers in the forest and conservation sector. As part of the program, participants completed a career readiness bootcamp to build confidence, gain insights into the sector, and strengthen their networking skills. Each delegate was also paired with a mentor to help them navigate the conference, expand their professional network, and get the most out of the experience. Together, these experiences provide practical exposure to the sector while helping participants build the skills, confidence, and relationships that support long‑term career pathways.

“Meeting this year’s Youth Delegate cohort was an incredibly inspiring experience. I was deeply impressed by their engagement and fresh perspectives. Creating dedicated opportunities for Indigenous youth is important for our sector; it ensures we are investing in the very leaders who will shape the future of forestry and conservation.” – Christine Leduc, President, PLT Canada

At the SFI conference, Indigenous youth and Indigenous forestry leaders also had the opportunity to gather, learn from each other, and support intergenerational knowledge transfer during a dedicated networking breakfast. Many thoughtful Indigenous leaders from the SFI network attended, including from SFI-certified organizations, chiefs and members from partnership communities, and SFI board member Lennard Joe attended to both teach and learn from the young leaders of today.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be in the Youth Delegate program, I have learned so much, and hope to share the program as a recommendation to all youth in forestry. Specifically, I found the program to be most successful in building confidence to talk to new people, ask questions and talk about our biggest passions. Because of this skill and time we had to practice with the team, it has helped me to create long term relationships with very successful people in forestry.” – Grace Currie, SFI/PLT Canada Youth Delegate

As the author of this blog, I also bring a personal perspective on the program’s impact. Back in 2022, I participated as a youth delegate at the SFI Annual Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. My background was in conservation, and I was struck by the diversity of people attending the conference and range of topics discussed.

With the help of my assigned mentor, I connected not only with sector professionals, but also with peers in the program – many of whom I remain in contact with today. These connections ultimately led me to my current role as an Indigenous Relations Coordinator with SFI and PLT Canada.

This experience reflects the tangible opportunities the program can create for young people entering the sector. Now, I’m proud to support the same program that provided me with these opportunities.

This year’s cohort reflects the continued growth of the SFI/PLT Canada Youth Delegate program and the importance of creating career pathway opportunities for Indigenous youth. We are grateful to our partners who have supported the program and look forward to building on it in the years ahead to continue supporting diverse youth in building the skills, confidence, and networks that enable long‑term success in the forest sector.

As the program grows, it is not only creating access—but building a generation of Indigenous professionals who will shape how forestry is practiced and governed in the years ahead.