June 21, 2022
National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, cultures and diverse contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Seaspan is grateful to operate within the traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples and values our relationships with neighbouring First Nations at our business and project sites including the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, Haisla, Tsawwassen, Snuneymuxw, Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.
We are committed to developing respectful relationships and engaging in constructive consultation with our neighbouring First Nations. We are working towards creating meaningful partnerships including job opportunities and long-term economic benefits for local Indigenous communities connected to our projects and business activities.
Recently, Seaspan has invested, through the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and our Shipyards and Marine Transportation businesses, in a number of educational programs, community priorities and Indigenous-focused events including:
- Funding for 100 Indigenous BCIT Students – A multi-year grant from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, in conjunction with Seaspan and Southern Railway of BC (SRY) to enable BCIT to deliver a wide range of training for high demand trades and tech jobs to Indigenous students. The grant provides funds toward tuition, supplies, supplementary supports, career exploration in marine trades and community-based skills training in Ecological Restoration.
Camosun College – New bursaries and scholarships for women in trades and Indigenous learners, as well as specialized equipment and a soon to be developed micro-credential in marine welding, will be made possible by major funding provided to Camosun College by the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation in conjunction with Seaspan.- Fraser River Discovery Centre Society (FRDCS) – A grant from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in conjunction with Seaspan and SRY to support FRDCS’s partnership with the Musqueam Indian Band to develop xʷtatəl̕ləm (Place of Learning About the Indigenous Heritage and Teachings of the Fraser River).
- Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS) – Seaspan Shipyards made a three-year, $1.35 million investment to increase training and apprenticeship opportunities for Indigenous students aged 19 through 30 interested in building a career in the trades, including in the growing shipbuilding and marine sector. This new funding is in addition to Seaspan’s 2016-2020 partnership with ACCESS which included investment totalling approximately $2.9M.
- Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase – Seaspan and SRY Rail were Gold sponsors of the 2022 conference held on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. The event highlights and celebrates the ways that leading-edge relationships between Indigenous business and corporate Canada are making reconciliation a reality for the whole nation.
- National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference – Seaspan sponsored and attended the Conference, part of a series attracting First Nations and private sector business groups from across Canada seeking partnerships, supplier and joint venture opportunities.
North Shore Indians Lacrosse Society – Seaspan is a sponsor of the Society, which operates two teams; the North Shore Indians (NSI) Junior lacrosse team (ages 16-21) and the Senior lacrosse team for ages 21 and over. Lacrosse is part of the culture and traditions of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and the Society’s recent efforts to revitalize the NSI which has a long and rich history since the early 1900’s.
Seaspan has also entered into a joint venture partnership with the Haisla First Nation. HaiSea Marine has been awarded a contract with LNG Canada to design, build and operate escort tugs and harbour tugs required for LNG Canada’s export facility in Kitimat, British Columbia. The 12-year contract will result in employment for approximately 70 mariners and six onshore staff, plus other roles for employees of the partner organizations. The agreement ensures members of the Haisla Nation will have access to employment, training and procurement opportunities on the contract with LNG Canada.