March 11, 2024
Nionwentsïo, March 11, 2024 – Davie and the Huron-Wendat Nation Council today signed an important alliance aimed at strengthening and consolidating the relationship between the Nation and the company. This mutual commitment, known as Ontatenses in Huron-Wendat, meaning “We value each other,” has been developed in mutual trust since 2018. It is based on values dear to the Huron-Wendat Nation and to Davie, namely respect (Erihwändoronkhwa’), honour (Honwatihchiendaenhk), and esteem for one another (Ontatenses).
Through this alliance, Davie and the Huron-Wendat Nation Council have agreed to work together on initiatives designed to contribute to the social, cultural and economic development of the Huron-Wendat Nation. This includes implementing mechanisms to promote equity, diversity and inclusion of the Nation’s members, as well as actively participating in building closer ties and mutual understanding between the two organizations, in a sustainable and meaningful way.
In concrete terms, both parties have agreed to establish a committee to develop structuring partnerships and creating training programs tailored to the local workforce. Additionally, Davie is committed to providing employment opportunities for members of the Huron-Wendat Nation, to implementing initiatives to increase its purchases from the Huron-Wendat businesses, and to continuing its already active participation in community and cultural initiatives with the Nation.
“It is a great source of pride for Davie to sign this Ontatenses with the Huron-Wendat Nation,” said James Davies, President and CEO of Davie. “This collaboration agreement marks another milestone in our desire to strengthen our ties with our Indigenous partners through tangible initiatives that promote the reconciliation process, foster economic development and improve our collective prosperity.”
“I am delighted to be able to announce this historic alliance on behalf of the Huron-Wendat Nation,” added Rémy Vincent, Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation. “Not only does this alliance attest to the favourable position held by the Huron-Wendat Nation on the economic chessboard of our ancestral territory, the Nionwentsïo, but it also demonstrates that Davie, as a major player in the industry, is moving quickly from words to actions in terms of building bridges and reconciliation with First Nations. I congratulate Davie on this proactive approach, and I’m proud that the Huron-Wendat Nation is once again at the forefront of its own economic development.
This agreement reflects Davie’s firm commitment to contribute to reconciliation efforts in response to Call to Action 92 in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
**About Davie Shipbuilding **
Based in Lévis, Québec, Davie is Canada’s premier shipbuilder and a global leader in the delivery of specialist, mission-critical vessels to government and commercial customers. Founded in 1825, Davie is Canada’s longest-established, largest and highest capacity shipbuilder. Our world-class workforce builds and sustains complex ships that enable our customers to protect national and economic security or fulfil acute business needs. Davie is part of the Davie Group, which acquired the Helsinki shipyard, the world leader in icebreaker construction, in November 2023. Find out more at davie.ca.
Photograph: Signing of the historic alliance by Lindsey Kettel, Senior Vice-President, Strategic Development of Davie, and Rémy Vincent, Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation
Sources:
Rose-Marie Ayotte, Huron-Wendat Nation Council, rose-marie.ayotte@wendake.ca, 418 928-9792
Marcel Poulin, Davie, marcel.poulin@davie.ca, 581 992-8564
