VBNC continues to strengthen communities in Newfoundland and Labrador through donations to and sponsorship of local programs. In total, we contributed $50,000 to support civic, community, cultural, health and education initiatives in 2004.

We also supported aboriginal scholarships and a $500,000 bequest over the next five years toward the development of a new community centre in Nain, Labrador to promote aboriginal culture and develop new suicide-prevention programs.

The project is called Ulapitsaijet, which means “talking together” in Inuktitut. Envisioned as a place for members of LIA to meet and promote their culture, the centre’s main focus will be the development of programs designed to combat the population group’s high suicide rate. One of the most pressing problems confronting isolated aboriginal communities across Canada is suicide. “Studies have shown that lack of community spirit and the prevalence of alcohol are the two main causes of suicide in our communities,” says Isabella Pain, VBNC’s Inuit Affairs Officer. “The new centre will provide a place for our people to celebrate our culture, socialize and obtain help when they are in need.”

We rewarded academic achievement by awarding annual scholarships to both Innu and Inuit high school students. Commenting on the scholarship program, VBNC’s Manager of Aboriginal Affairs and Labrador Human Resources, Tom Paddon noted that, “Each of the recipients is very deserving of these awards. They have shown outstanding leadership qualities, academic achievement and involvement in their communities.”

The Inuit program consists of six scholarships. One scholarship, available to students across Labrador, is valued at $4,000, payable at $1,000 a year for four years, while five other scholarships, valued at $1,000, may be awarded to one student in each of the communities of Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik, Postville and Rigolet. The annual Innu program consists of one $4,000 scholarship, payable at $1,000 a year for four years, and is available to any Innu Nation high school student in Labrador. In addition, two $1,000 scholarships may be awarded to a student in each of the communities of Natuashish and Sheshatshiu.

We also provided the town of Placentia, the neighboring community to Argentia where we are building the hydromet demonstration plant, with a contribution of $350,000 to support its efforts to upgrade key components of the municipal infrastructure. Mayor of Placentia, Fred Whelan, says the town is very pleased with the contribution and looks forward to working with the company as the project moves forward.