Community Engagement
Simpcw First Nations
GSFP has a long standing mutually beneficial relationship with Simpcw First Nation. Their traditional territory covers the woodlands tenures within which GSFP manages. GSFP and Simpcw have a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that recognizes Simpcw's traditional territory and the rights and responsibilities that accompany that title. The MOU also recognizes GSFP's objective to maintain a successful forest products company that is integral in the economic sustainability of the North Thompson Valley with steady employment of Simpcw members and local residents. GSFP is committed to also supporting Simpcw youth through the sponsorship of a youth golf tournament, supporting the Raft River Fishery which provides school trips, and presenting at the Simpcw Career Fair.
Scholarships
Dr. J. Harry G. Smith, R.P.F. (1925-2002) Scholarships
Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia (UBC)
John Harry Gilbert Smith (B.S.F. (Hons)(1949) Brit.Col., M.F. (cum laude) (1950)., Ph.D (1955) Yale., R.P.F.) was a professor in the Faculty of Forestry for 40 years, where he made an outstanding contribution to his profession of forestry.
Harry also served as a director for Gilbert Smith Forest Products Ltd. and provided much insight into the development of the companies wood supply.
Since 2003, Gilbert Smith Forest Products Ltd. has endowed the J. Harry G. Smith Award in Forest Resources Management and the J. Harry G. Smith Scholarship in Forest Resources Management, in recognition of Harry's enormous contribution to Forestry.
Gilbert Smith Forest Products Ltd. Post-Secondary Scholarship
For a graduate of Barriere Secondary School.
In 2010, a scholarship was created to assist a student who has achieved at a high academic level throughout their secondary years, and who plans on attending a post secondary institution in a degree or trades program.
Areas of Support
Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research
Gilbert Smith Team in 2016
Year after year, GSFP employees, board members, retirees, and family participate in the Terry Fox Run in Barriere, BC to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. As a company, GSFP donates funds to cancer research every year for every employee who participates.
GSFP is a proud supporter of many different local causes. Particularly, causes that support the youth in our community. GSFP has donated lumber/materials to the following organisations:
Barriere & District Riding Club ( New Riding Arena)
Simpcw Members (Canoe Paddle Making Project)
North Thompson Museum (Rural School House Project)
Barriere Secondary School (Wood Shop Program)
North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Assoc. (Agriplex Project)
Barriere Lions Club (New Siding Materials for Hall)
Donating Lumber:
Supporting Trades Education and Local Initiatives
GSFP donates cedar lumber to a number of local causes
Local Hiring and Education
GSFP has many examples of summer or Co-op students being hired, especially from local schools like Thompson Rivers University.
GSFP is the largest local employer and happy to support Co-Op positions with various universities. GSFP also presents a number of opportunities for young people and the community to learn more about the forest industry and the education opportunities available. Including:
Booth at TRU Career Fair
Forestry Week Presentations at local schools
Simpcw Career Fair
Forestry Educational Van Tours
Community Sharing of Range Plans, Forest Stewardship Plans, and Environmental Strategies
Local Elementary/ High-School Tours of Mill
GSFP continues to support education at a post-secondary level. We offer opportunities for apprentice programs to tour our facility to provide a glimpse of an operational plant to young tradespeople. These tours educate young people on both wood processing and safety in a industrial environment. We look forward to continuing our partnership with TRU and to further promote the forest products industry as an excellent career choice.
Thompson Rivers University
Millwright Program
Tours for students interested in wood processing
WRCLA Cedar School
GSFP gave a tour and provided an educational day of learning for Cedar School students
GSFP is a long-time member of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. Every year, the association offers a training program for young professionals looking to become more knowledgeable of and involved with the cedar industry. In 2019 and 2022, we hosted the mill tour and provided a fun and educational day sharing our passion for the forest industry with the young professionals of tomorrow.
Gilbert Smith Forest Products Ltd. is proud to support Skeetchestn First Nation by donating a unique Western Red Cedar Log that was sculpted in a design by renowned craftsman Vaughn Warren into a monument memorializing Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and LGBTQ+ Individuals.
Let Her Spirit Soar
GSFP is proud to support Skeetchestn First Nation