Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. wins Indigenous Small Business Award

Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR) has received the Indigenous Small Business Award from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB). According to a July 14 press release from CCIB, the [...]

Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. wins Indigenous Small Business Award Published 10:50 am Thursday, July 16, 2026 Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR) has received the Indigenous Small Business Award from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB). According to a July 14 press release from CCIB, the award recognizes the company’s leadership in Indigenous-led forestry, forest rehabilitation, wildfire risk reduction, fibre utilization and community-based economic development in the Cariboo Chilcotin. CCR delivers large-scale forestry, wildfire risk reduction, forest rehabilitation, fibre recovery and reforestation projects throughout the Chilcotin region.

Working alongside industry partners, governments and local communities, the organization develops practical solutions to challenges related to wildfire resilience, forest health, climate adaptation and fibre utilization, the company said. CCR explained its work has created meaningful employment, supported local and Indigenous businesses, reduced wildfire risk and advanced the rehabilitation of fire-affected forests across the region. “This recognition reflects the hard work of our crews, communities, partners and leadership,” Percy Guichon, CEO of CCR and elected councillor of Tŝideldel First Nation, said in a statement.

“Everything we do comes back to the land and the people we work for. This award is a reminder of what is possible when Indigenous communities lead the work in their own territories.” Tabatha Bull, CCIB president and CEO, acknowledged the award’s importance in recognizing the impact Indigenous businesses have in communities across the country.

“Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. demonstrates how Indigenous leadership, Traditional Ecological Knowledge and innovation can work together to build long-term economic opportunities while caring for the land. Through their work, CCR is building stronger, more resilient communities and setting an example for others across Canada.” The Indigenous Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Bouchier, honours the achievements and contributions of an Indigenous business with fewer than 20 employees that significantly supports and enriches the economic, social and cultural well-being of Indigenous communities.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the heart of many Indigenous communities,” Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, CEO and co-owner of Bouchier, said. “As the inaugural sponsor of the Indigenous Small Business of the Year Award, we are proud to recognize Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. Their success reflects the resilience, innovation and determination of Indigenous entrepreneurs who create jobs, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations.

We are honoured to celebrate their achievements and the impact they continue to make.” CCR thanked the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business for the recognition and congratulated the other award recipients and nominees. CCR is an Indigenous-owned forestry organization representing the communities of Tŝideldel, Tl’etinqox, and Yunesit’in in the Chilcotin region of British Columbia.

Established to restore and protect traditional territories while creating sustainable prosperity for Nations, CCR has become a recognized leader in Indigenous-led forestry and land stewardship, the press release said. Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. will be formally honoured on Oct. 15 in Vancouver at CCIB’s West Coast Business Forum & Awards Dinner.