Williams Lake Indian Band (“WLIB”) conducted a ceremony March 25 at the Little Chiefs Preschool to acknowledge and honour Mount Polley Mining Corporation for its generous contribution to WLIB education programs.
As part of the historic WLIB/MPMC Participation agreement, which formalizes the working relationship between the parties with respect to the Mount Polley Mine, MPMC contributes $30,000 annually toward scholarships for WLIB students for post secondary education and training, or other purposes related to the education and development of WLIB Members.
On hand at the ceremony were WLIB Coun. and Education Manager, Heather McKenzie, WLIB Councillor and Special Project Coordinator, Willie Sellars, and Mount Polley Mine General Manager, Tim Fisch.
“We’re extremely pleased to accept this cheque for $30,000 from Mount Polley Mining Corporation,” states Coun. McKenzie. “The funds will be applied to programs and initiatives that will have a direct and tangible impact on our community and our children.
“The funds will be used for post-secondary scholarships and bursaries, programs designed to promote and maintain the Secwepemc language and improvements to our Little Chiefs Preschool. On behalf of the WLIB Council, and the community as a whole, I extend our sincere thanks to Mount Polley Mining Corporation.”
“Both Imperial Metals Corporation and Mount Polley Mining Corporation are pleased to participate in this important initiative with the Williams Lake Indian Band,” states Tim Fisch, general manager for Mount Polley Mines.
“We congratulate the community leaders on their emphasis in the education programs in place today and look forward to building on these successes through the strength of our relationship. This is an excellent example of how Industry and First Nations can work together to build stronger communities.”
In March of 2013, WLIB and MPMC were awarded the Williams Lake and area Chamber of Commerce’s Business excellence award for Newsmaker of the Year. The award recognized the impact of WLIB/MPMC Participation Agreement, and the significance of the parties’ working relationship.
WLIB and MPMC also note that one of the scholarships awarded as part of the MPMC funding is named after the late Ron Martel, former environmental superintendent at Mount Polley Mine.
Martel was instrumental in the development of the WLIB/MPMC Participation Agreement, but sadly passed away just after the agreement was signed.
For more information, please contact please contact Kirk Dressler, Williams Lake Indian Band Communications Officer, at (250) 296-3507.
http://www.williamslakeband.ca 2