Paper Excellence proudly supports the Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) which provides high school aged Indigenous youth with invaluable education and work experience. The six-week paid work experience offers participants a combination of education, training and hands-on work opportunities in a supportive and enriching environment.

This summer, OYEP welcomed 150 youth from across Canada who contributed a total of 26,540 hours of work. By the end of the six weeks, there were a total of 134 graduates, including 23 who completed the Indigenous Management program. Additionally, the youth earned a variety of certifications: 89 in First Aid, 114 in Bear Aware, 55 in Food Safe, 60 in Chainsaw Safety Training, 138 in Trail Specialist and many more. Impressively, these youth also planted 118,080 trees during their time in the program.

OYEP trainers were pleased that the youth showed great curiosity during the program and reported that they particularly enjoyed the opportunity to observe large machinery in action. The youth asked many insightful questions about jobs skills, education, wages, displaying a strong interest in the work.

In the beginning of the program, the youth arrived at camp from different communities, not knowing one another. By the end of the program, they developed deep bonds built on respect and kindness. The trainers fostered a supportive atmosphere for the youth which enhanced the process. During the afterhours of camp, the youth also enjoyed some fun activities during their free time such as swimming, baking cakes, and celebrating birthdays.

Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) is a national network of land-based education, training and work opportunities for high school aged Indigenous youth. OYEP offers a six-week work experience program which provides training and education in a supportive space that replicates various work environments. It takes an inclusive approach to Indigenous education, recruitment, and retention to prepare participants for future opportunities.

Learn more about our donation to OYEP here: Paper Excellence Canada Donates $50,000 to Empower Indigenous Youth Through the Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP).