Employee Support & Mentorship Circle

Boozhoo. Welcome. This is a open and supportive space for all employees, with a special emphasis on Valard’s Indigenous Employees. Our mission is to foster personal and professional growth through mentorship, shared experiences, and open dialogue.

By celebrating successes and discussing challenges, we contribute to a stronger, more inclusive workplace culture. We encourage all employees to enhance their knowledge of Indigenous peoples, engage in cultural awareness activities, and create a sense of belonging. The formation of this group provides an avenue to enhance that collaboration. 

Our Recent Events

DIY Dreamcatchers

The ESMC started making dreamcatchers in January 2026 and will continue the activity at the next meeting. These DIY dreamcatcher kits are from Bougie Birch and represent Indigenous tradition and cultural storytelling. Dreamcatchers symbolize protection — believed to catch dreams and negative energy while allowing good dreams to pass through.

The activity’s purpose is to encourage learning, reflection, and cultural appreciation, while fostering creativity and setting a positive intention for the year.

Creative Painting

In October, the ESMC participated in a painting activity from The Creative Company, including approximately 20 employees from various departments. The sessions provided a fun and therapeutic way to connect, fostering creativity, relaxation, and camaraderie. Some of the paintings reflected the Seven Grandfather Teachings and are now proudly displayed in the dining room, serving as a lasting reminder of the teamwork and connection at camp.

Beading

In September, at the Sapawe Camp near Thunder Bay, the Employee Support and Mentorship Circle (ESMC) hosted Orange Shirt Beading Pin sessions and shared a culturally significant meal.

Purpose of the group

SUPPORT NETWORK

Provide a forum that encourages open sharing, trust, and mutual respect.


BELONGING

Enhance places of belonging for Indigenous employees to connect.


MENTORSHIP

Offer informal mentorship opportunities among members.

CELEBRATION & CHALLENGES

Provide space to celebrate achievements and address common challenges.


CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Facilitate participation in activities that celebrate local Indigenous culture.

About the group

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to all employees who wish to participate in a supportive, collaborative community. Participation is voluntary, with Indigenous Employees as a primary focus. Discussions are confidential.

MEETINGS

Informal: Held weekly, typically over dinner, to encourage casual, candid conversations and community-building. A champion from the initial members will guide these weekly touchpoints.

Formal: Conducted monthly with representatives from Valard and the CMO. These meetings aim to share key insights, provide feedback, and explore ways to support employees more effectively. Activities will be planned to expose participants to Indigenous cultural practices and arts.

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Land Acknowledgement

The Waasigan Transmission Line Project is located in the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe people of Treaty #3 and Robinson-Superior First Nations, whose presence reaches back to time immemorial. The Project also traverses the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community and Northern Lake Superior Métis Community.

Valard understands that our success is intertwined with the well-being and prosperity of Indigenous Peoples. We have built electrical infrastructure projects in, and around, Indigenous Communities for decades and are dedicated to building trusting, equitable, and lasting partnerships. We continue to promote cultural understanding, support Indigenous businesses, and work side-by-side with our Indigenous partners to ensure lasting benefits are realized.