In 2024, Mercer Peace River entered Phase II of its Traditional Land Use (TLU) Project, a collaboration with Indigenous communities and the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA). This initiative integrates traditional knowledge into forest management, deepening MPR’s commitment to Indigenous partnerships and sustainable practices.
Key objectives of the project include:
- Community Collaboration: MPR works closely with Indigenous communities to identify culturally significant plants, understand Caribou migration strategies, and conduct on-the-ground environmental validation
- Academic Partnership: Partnering with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), the project combines scientific research with traditional perspectives to enhance forest management
Phase II builds on the success of earlier efforts, strengthening relationships with local communities and fostering a holistic approach to environmental stewardship. Through initiatives like the TLU Project, MPR continues to align operations with cultural respect and sustainable resource management.