Building Wealth with Wood information sessions are presented in an Indigenous context that respects social, economic and cultural values and realities. The primary goal of these sessions is to communicate the potential opportunities that exist within the industry. This session also outlines the Indigenous Forest Support Program, helps to establish relationships and provides the framework for FPInnovations to provide services to the Indigenous communities.

Gathering market intelligence and product knowledge is critical as communities look to develop forestry and manufacturing based business. It is important to understand the gaps for products and services in localized areas. With this knowledge, we can identify opportunities that are right for the community and align well with traditional values and the available expertise.

Studies can identify the issues that will impact the ability of Indigenous communities to establish and maintain viable forest product businesses. These studies can include, but are not limited to, an analysis of current and potential markets, evaluation of capital and operational costs, evaluation of the fibre supply, a review of alternatives, impacts to local employment, etc. These studies can provide guidance to communities as they look to make an informed investment decision.

Technical assessments of new technologies provide relevant and timely information to community leaders so they can make informed decisions before adopting new technologies (e.g. Investing in a bio-energy facility) or making capital investments (e.g. manufacturing facility). These assessments include recommendations that a community can use on its journey towards continuous improvement.

On-site evaluations of the business structure, harvest planning activities and timber harvesting practices for community-based logging operations can identify capacity gaps and inefficient processes. The realizations and recommendations from these evaluations have immediate positive impacts. They contribute to more efficient machine interactions, increased productivity, increased utilization, compliance with environmental legislation and operating ground rules and the ability to generate increased wealth and prosperity for the community.

FPInnovations experts provide technical assistance to forest harvesting operations, operators of wood products manufacturing facilities, as well as to log, timber frame and conventional building construction businesses to improve processes and maximize profits.

FPInnovations can provide technical expertise for the development of new wood products, building codes, industry standards and thermal performance guidelines for the construction of log, timber frame and conventional buildings.

FPInnovations can produce technical literature and bulletins for Indigenous communities that enhance the technological development of the Indigenous forestry value-added chain.

FPInnovations develops and disseminates best management practices relating to forest product (timber and non-timber) harvesting, transportation, small-scale wood products manufacturing, and various phases of log, timber frame and conventional building construction.