As part of their ongoing Indigenous Reconciliation work, staff from Howe Sound Pulp & Paper (HSPP) forged a relationship with School District 46 – Indigenous Learning and asked how the mill could best support their programs.

As a result of these conversations, Howe Sound Pulp & Paper donated $5,000 to support two programs.

Some of the funding will be used to provide high school students approaching graduation and their caretakers with the opportunity to visit post-secondary institutions and training schools to gain knowledge and experience of the institutions and how they can support their educational interests. Trips like this inspire students and parents and boost student confidence, empowering them to pursue higher learning.

Some of the funding will be allocated to bring the Skwxwú7mesh Nation Knowledge and Culture Keepers and Language Keepers to visit schools to share their culture within their Sunshine Coast territory. This is an opportunity to students to experience different ways of learning and information sharing that are not commonly used in schools and to learn about the Skwxwú7mesh Nation’s culture and history.

To learn more about School District 46’s Indigenous Learning programs, visit their website: SD46 Indigenous Education

In photo above, from left to right, we see Kerry Mahlman, District Principal; Tobi Tonis, HSPP Executive Assistant; Jessica Nichol, HSPP HR Manager; Andrea Holmes, HSPP HR Coordinator; Bradley Clayton, a Grade 12 graduate; and Tammy Saigeon, an Indigenous Student Success Teacher.