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Mercer continues reconciliation journey; shares updates on key partnerships

Mercer International recently shared its plans for continuing the reconciliation journey.

In 2021,  reconciliation became a crucial part of the conversation in Canada. In a release by the company, Mercer shared its existing and growing partnerships and provided updates on two new partnerships – all of which are dedicated to supporting this journey and creating a brighter future for generations to come.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is an organization that has dedicated itself to the truth. It works closely with survivors; collecting and preserving records of residential school experiences, and providing a place of learning and dialogue. This work honours the lives lost, the survivors, their families, and the communities – all while educating the public about this tragic legacy and how to be an active participant in reconciliation.

The NCTR programs focus on community healing, classroom learning, youth leadership, and nationwide public education. Mercer’s partnership with the centre is rooted in respect and a desire to become deeply engaged in this vital process. The company looks forward to supporting NCTR’s important programs and learning from them as it works to advance reconciliation.

2021 was Mercer’s third year in partnership with OYEP, hosted at the Mihkowapikwaniy Cultural Camp at Lubicon Lake, Alberta, in Treaty 8 territory.

OYEP is a nationwide initiative that creates equity and opportunity for Indigenous youth – building pathways to education, training, and work opportunities. Participants (known in the camp as ‘rangers’) are immersed in a culturally supportive, natural resource-focused camp environment with opportunities to learn important skills which include safety training, interview skills, financial literacy, and maintaining work-life balance.

Mercer proudly engages with the OYEP rangers. In 2021, two of Mercer Peace River’s team members acted as guides to the group on a  field tour. The positive impact of this partnership is growing each year, and Mercer is looking forward to working with and learning from these young leaders in the future.

Mercer’s new partnership with Indspire – a national, Indigenous registered charity – is key to accelerating the company’s efforts to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.

Through its partnership with Indspire, Mercer will invest in bursaries for four students per year – awarded to Indigenous students in British Columbia and Alberta with demonstrated financial need to attend post-secondary institutions, including those with a focus on skilled trades and power engineering.

The company’s investment will be matched by the federal government, extending the support that these students will receive. This program also facilitates access to mentors and other resources to champion student success during their post-secondary years.

Mercer is looking forward to inviting the first round of applicants in January 2022.