Catalyst Paper, Halalt First Nation Volunteers Cleanup Chemainus River

In a joint effort promoting stewardship, environmental responsibility, and community engagement, Catalyst Paper, Richmond, B.C., Canada, this past week partnered with Halalt First Nation, with support from the Young Professionals of Cowichan, Crofton Fire Hall, and Island Corridor Foundation, to participate in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, a conservation initiative of the Vancouver Aquarium and World Wildlife Fund of Canada. Catalyst and Halalt First Nation cleaned up an area along the Chemainus River near the intersection of Halalt Road and Westholme Road to conserve as natural habitat for wildlife and recreation area for the community.

In its 20-year history, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup has come to attract more than 50,000 volunteers across Canada annually and has benefitted some 22,000 km of shorelines, making it one of the largest volunteer cleanup efforts in the world. Catalyst Paper and Halalt First Nation extended the invitation to residents of the North Cowichan community.

Halalt First Nation is one of six bands that make up the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group. It is located 13 km north of Duncan in the district of Westholme and has approximately 200 members. It is well known for shellfish harvesting and Robert James Thomas is the chief.

The Young Professionals of Cowichan (YPC) is a not-for-profit organization that unifies Cowichan's under~45 business professionals and entrepreneurs for the purpose of networking, community involvement, and professional development. The YPC hopes to build partnerships with Cowichan's leading businesses, educational institutions, and community groups to assist its members in developing the skills they will need to become the next generation of leaders in the Cowichan Valley.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/