Two Feathers Forest Products, LP

Two Feathers Forest Products, LP is the result of a partnership development process that started in 1993. We have always understood that we needed to work in partnership with our neighbouring First Nations and with industry in order to reach our enterprise goals. We are very proud of the partnership we have developed with Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Eagle Lake First Nation and the Wood Tech Group from Finland. Our Two Feathers Forest Products, LP enterprise partnership is part of the base we are building to support new opportunities in the Whitefeather Forest.

As early as 1993, Pikangikum members had visited a woodlands operation established by members of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Noopimiing Anokeewin Inc. (which means Working the Forest). In August 2004 Pikangikum First Nation signed a business development partnership Agreement with Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation to pursue value-added manufacturing opportunities in Northwestern Ontario. This agreement between Pikangikum and Wabigoon brought together our respective business development strengths and accomplishments in forestry opportunity development.

By November of 2004 the outlines of a value-added enterprise development strategy were established involving our two First Nations. Not long after this our partnership was extended to include the Wood Tech Group from Finland. This broader partnership was established to capitalize on high value export market opportunities in value-added solid wood products, including laminated lumber products made from the “strong wood” of the boreal forest of Northwestern Ontario.

In 2006 Eagle Lake First Nation joined the partnership. In 2007 Two Feathers Forest Products, LP was incorporated to carry forward this First Nation-led opportunity. Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation is leading the development of Two Feathers Forest Products, LP while Pikangikum focuses on completing the development of the Whitefeather Forest opportunity.

The Two Feathers opportunity is now close to fruition, with a projected start-up date of preliminary operations in 2008. Two Feathers Forest Products, LP will have its head office in Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation with manufacturing developed around two sites. One manufacturing site will be located in Red Lake, south of and adjacent to the Whitefeather Forest, and the other on Eagle Lake First Nation. These operations are within the Area of Undertaking, that portion of Ontario where forestry operations are currently regulated.

Two Feathers Forest Products, LP will provide a foundation supporting the development of value-added manufacturing and harvesting in the Whitefeather Forest with our partners. As well, the manufacturing facility in Red Lake and the related woodlands enterprises will provide immediate jobs for those Pikangikum and partnership members interested in working in the Red Lake area, revenues for Pikangikum, and a critically needed interim training opportunity for our people to prepare for future employment in the Whitefeather Forest.

Sub-sections:

View The Photo Gallery »