For Immediate Release:

Richmond, BC – Paper Excellence Canada, a leading pulp and paper manufacturing company, is proud to announce a significant donation of $50,000 to support the Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP). This contribution underscores Paper Excellence’s commitment to Indigenous youth development, education, and community engagement in Canada.

The Outland Youth Employment Program is a national network of land-based education, training, and work opportunities for high school aged Indigenous youth. OYEP is a six-week work experience providing training and education in a supportive space that replicates various work environments.

The program takes an inclusive approach to Indigenous education, recruitment, retention and provides a safe and predictable learning environment that can be tailored to meet the needs of local communities and partners. OYEP collaborates with local Indigenous communities and consults with Elders to ensure youth feel culturally and spiritually supported in the workplace.

Paper Excellence Canada’s generous donation will directly contribute to the continued success of the OYEP program.

“It is essential that we help create opportunities for the next generation,” said Lana Wilhelm, RPF, Director of Indigenous Relations at Paper Excellence Canada. “Our donation to the Outland Youth Employment Program aligns with our values of community engagement, youth empowerment, and Indigenous reconciliation. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact this contribution will have on the lives of Indigenous youth across Canada.”

“OYEP is honoured to partner with Paper Excellence in our mission to empower Indigenous youth across the country,” said Mark Kmill, OYEP National Manager. “This collaboration opens new doors for us to continue offering education, training, and employment opportunities, building upon our 24 years of experience. We express our sincere gratitude and eagerness to work closely with Paper Excellence and Indigenous communities throughout Canada in the years ahead.”

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Paper Excellence Canada, headquartered in British Columbia, is a diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers in Canada with a production capacity of over 2.5 million tonnes annually and a workforce of more than 2,100. Paper Excellence is pleased to work in partnership with communities where we operate as a major employer of choice and market leader.

Media Contact:
media@paperexcellence.com
Brenda Martin, Public Affairs Manager
Cell: 236-982-0484