Elevating Rural Voices: Percy Guichon Speaks at the ‘Keeping It Rural’ Conference

Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR) is proud to recognize the recent participation of Percy Guichon, CEO and elected Councillor of Tŝideldel First Nation, at the ‘Keeping It Rural’ Conference, hosted by the BC Rural Centre from June 10–12, 2025, in Kelowna, B.C.

The annual conference brought together leaders from rural communities, First Nations, and economic development organizations across the province. It served as a platform to share success stories and discuss innovative approaches to strengthening rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

As a keynote speaker, Guichon delivered a well-received presentation titled “Rural First Nations Leading Forestry,” which shared CCR’s journey from a rural forestry pilot project in 2017 to becoming a national leader in sustainable forest management and biomass innovation. His talk emphasized CCR’s community-driven approach, rooted in Tsilhqot’in stewardship values, and the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern forestry practices.

Guichon also touched on CCR’s evolving role in wildfire rehabilitation and wood fibre recovery and the importance of addressing policy barriers that affect rural and Indigenous-led forestry initiatives. His message underscored the need for continued collaboration, long-term planning, and a Seven Generations mindset to ensure the health of both communities and forests.

CCR extends its gratitude to the BC Rural Centre for organizing this valuable event and creating space for rural voices and Indigenous leaders to share.