Faces of Forestry is an initiative of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) to highlight people doing great work to enhance our forests throughout British Columbia. In this month’s Faces of Forestry, we are featuring a Face of FESBC to highlight one of the exceptional individuals on our Board of Directors who helps guide our organization toward impactful change.
This month, we feature Mike P. Kelly, one of FESBC’s Board Directors, a representative of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs for the BC First Nations Forestry Council (BCFNFC), and a member and former councillor of Leq’a:mel First Nation.
Coming from a family of loggers, forestry was an integral part of Mike’s life from an early age.
“My dad was a logger all his life. We grew up accustomed to that life and we did not know any different,” he shared. “My grandfather on my mom’s side was also a logger. He wrote a book called ‘Chiefly Indian’ in 1972 about his logging practices, which has since been translated into several languages, including Chinese. He left a legacy, and I am very proud to be his grandson.”
Mike began his career working with the Provincial Government in the BC Ministry of Highways. Upon retiring from the Ministry, his expertise in road construction eventually led him to a role as a machine operator in public works at the University Endowment Lands at the University of British Columbia.
A few years later, in 2013, Mike was elected as a Director with BCFNC and later appointed to the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS). In addition, Mike contributes to the Indian Residential School Society of BC, participating in activities like cultural brushing (selective removal of excess vegetation and tree species that are not well-suited to the region to promote biodiversity, improve forest health, and ensure that the remaining vegetation supports the specific objectives for wildlife enhancement), and gathering.
“These experiences have broadened my perspective and equipped me with valuable life skills,” he explained. “Serving on different Boards also helped me learn how they function and operate, preparing me for this role with FESBC.”
His introduction to FESBC came through BCFNFC, which encouraged him to join the Board around two years ago.
“With my background and experience, I walked into it in a good way, and everyone welcomed me with open arms,” he shared.
Mike greatly values FESBC’s commitment to promoting and funding projects that advance forest management and achieve a number of objectives, from fibre utilization to wildlife habitat enhancement.
“I’m very impressed with what’s going on today and the projects FESBC is undertaking, especially with respect to wildfires. We recently visited the pulp mill in Kamloops, where they are using burnt logs salvaged from some of the big wildfires in the region, which no other pulp mill has ever done before. It is truly encouraging to see such innovative approaches,” he said.
Mike is particularly proud of FESBC’s progress in collaborating with Indigenous communities and gaining recognition at the provincial level.
“FESBC is aligning with many First Nations in British Columbia,” he noted. “I am honoured to serve as a First Nations representative on the Board and bring a unique perspective to our discussions.”
Last December, Mike had the opportunity to travel to Japan as part of BCFNC’s delegation, celebrating a century of wood trade between Japan and British Columbia.
“It was fascinating to learn about the global forestry industry and showcase our province’s contributions. It’s gratifying to see our work recognized internationally.”
Looking ahead, Mike is enthusiastic about increasing First Nations’ involvement in forestry.
“We were singled out and isolated for many years, but now there’s growing awareness and collaboration. The government is now reaching out to First Nations, which is essential for the future of forestry.”
Thank you, Mike, for your dedication and invaluable contributions to FESBC and the broader forestry community. Your work and vision continue to drive positive change and foster meaningful partnerships across British Columbia.