We are delighted to announce the newest additions to the FSC Canada Board of Directors: Lorraine Rekmans and Stephanie Seymour.
Their appointment marks a significant milestone in our organization's commitment to promoting sustainable forestry practices and fostering inclusivity within the industry.
Lorraine comes with over 30 years in Indigenous Peoples – First Nation advocacy, governance and geopolitical work. This has occurred directly in her own First Nation and the Tribal Council level related to consultation in forestry, forest management and economic opportunities in the forest sector.
Lorraine also served as the Executive Director at the National Aboriginal Forestry Association for a number of years – showing leadership and advanced Aboriginal Rights on many fronts including the international stage via the World Forestry Congress and the United Nations permanent committee on Indigenous Peoples.
Today, Lorraine supports the Green Party of Canada in promoting protection of Indigenous Peoples rights and the need to take action on climate change as Indigenous Peoples are the must susceptible demographic due to location – rural and remote, along with limited access to emergency supports/response when drastic weather events impact community infrastructure.
Stephanie Seymour is a PhD student at the University of Toronto and Anishinaabe kwe from Garden River First Nation. Stephanie is a bright, fair, and knowledgeable person who models the Seven Grandfather teachings in all that she does. She is a critical thinker, and has demonstrated great understanding of forest policy, environment, and the social and political landscape that intersects forest management. Stephanie's knowledge of Indigenous rights and values compliments her formal education in forestry, and in her career she acts as a bridge between Indigenous communities and other actors including government, academia, and industry.
Together, Lorraine and Stephanie will join our esteemed Board members in steering FSC Canada towards greater achievements in the world of responsible forestry.
Source: FSC Canada
