EDMONTON, ALBERTA – June 20, 2018
On Thursday, June 21st, 2018, Valard Construction will join Canada’s Indigenous peoples in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Each year in Canada, June 21st is recognized as National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the heritage, unique and diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions that First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples have made to our country.
The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three distinct groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples. While these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
Adam Budzinski, Valard’s President and CEO, said, “At Valard, we are proud to recognize and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Valard has nearly 40 years of experience in partnering, and working with Indigenous people and their communities across Canada. Our positive and meaningful relationships with Indigenous people and their communities are integral to our success.”
Valard’s founder, Victor Budzinski, spent many years working in the powerline industry in northern Canada prior to becoming an independent powerline contractor. During that time, Victor worked closely with Indigenous people and communities, and gained a great respect for the barriers and struggles that many of these communities faced.
Valard’s commitment to providing opportunities and support to Indigenous communities and their members is an important part of the company’s history, and who Valard is as a company. Today, Valard has 87 Indigenous apprentices in its powerline program, which has been instrumental in building a sustainable and loyal workforce of employees. Those who have obtained their trade tickets have now become role models for other members in their home communities, and for other Indigenous staff who have joined the Valard family.
“Our history of maintaining long-term employees from Indigenous communities reflects our commitment to training and advancement of Indigenous people from across the country,” said Adam Budzinski.
