Mercer Peace River: Building Stronger Communities Through Education, Partnership, and Reconciliation

At Mercer Peace River (MPR), we are dedicated to fostering strong relationships with our communities, promoting sustainable practices, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. This August, we participated in several meaningful activities that reflect our commitment to community support, education, and inclusivity. Here’s a closer look at these initiatives and their impact:

Empowering Indigenous Youth: Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) Visit

On August 8th, 2024, MPR was proud to host participants from the Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) at our mill. OYEP is a unique initiative that provides Indigenous youth with employment opportunities, life skills, and career development in natural resource sectors. The program is designed to empower young Indigenous people by equipping them with the tools and experience needed to build successful careers.

During their visit, OYEP participants had the opportunity to:

• Engage with diverse MPR departments: From Indigenous Relations and Woodlands to Safety Loss Control, Environment, Human Resources, Wood Room, and Power and Recovery, participants gained firsthand insights into our operations and explored various career paths in the forest products industry.
• Connect with MPR leadership: The visit included a luncheon with MPR leadership, where participants networked and shared their experiences. This interaction provided a unique opportunity for them to learn from seasoned professionals and explore potential future employment opportunities at MPR.

We are committed to supporting these bright young leaders and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. We look forward to welcoming some of them into our MPR family in the future! 

Celebrating Success: OYEP Graduation at Mihkowapikwaniy Cultural Camp

Our commitment to empowering Indigenous youth continued on August 22nd, 2024, when MPR representatives Josh Magnusson, Courtney Tipton, and Cal Dakin attended the OYEP Graduation Ceremony at the Mihkowapikwaniy Cultural Camp in Little Buffalo, Alberta. This celebration marked the culmination of a six-week employment program, where youth gained valuable work experience, leadership skills, and cultural knowledge.

Highlights of the Graduation:

• Cultural Activities: The graduation ceremony featured traditional cultural activities, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous traditions. Josh Magnusson even participated in a hand games competition—a traditional Indigenous game—and while he didn’t win, he had a fantastic time engaging with the community. Watch a Dene Hand Game Video here to see the fun and tradition in action!
• Acknowledging Achievement: The event underscored the importance of community support and partnership in empowering youth and promoting cultural heritage. We are proud to have been part of their journey and are excited about continued collaboration with OYEP.