(Ottawa, ON) December 13, 2023 – The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is grateful to the support and generosity of spirit demonstrated by Valard Construction. Thanks to this donation, the LHF will continue to produce education materials and exhibitions that speak to the rich histories and lives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, as well as the abuses and impacts Indigenous Peoples have faced as a result of their experiences in Residential/Day School, and within the Child Welfare System.

Valard is a utility contractor that is focused on its clients’ success with over 40 years of experience. Valard has full-service capabilities for transmission, distribution, substations, foundations, telecommunications, and renewable energy. Serving clients across the country, Valard has distinguished itself in environmental responsibility and community stewardship. We provide comprehensive EPC+ (engineering, procurement, construction) and maintenance services to utilities, independent power producers, mining, oil and gas industries and rural electric associations throughout Canada and the US.

“At Valard, we want to acknowledge Truth and Reconciliation Day. This is a crucial day in Indigenous people’s lives. The path of reconciliation is not to shy away from our past but to find a path forward. As a company with Indigenous clients, partners, and employees, we continue to forge a new road leading to awareness and understanding.”  Carey Kostyk, President

“We are profoundly grateful for the support from Valard Construction. Their generosity is a powerful gesture of their commitment to understanding and acknowledging the experiences of Indigenous Peoples. A leader in their field, with a strong focus on environmental responsibility and land stewardship, their donation empowers LHF to continue fulfilling our mission and mandate. It enables us to create more educational resources and exhibition content that not only recount the stories of our past but also help pave the way for understanding, honouring, and respect. Valard’s support is a significant contribution to our tireless efforts to bring to light the enduring strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. Together we are fostering Reconciliation. “ said Teresa Edwards, Executive Director and In-house Legal Counsel at LHF

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 23 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate Canadians about the history and existing impacts on generations of Indigenous Peoples caused by their experiences as children living through Residential and/ or Day School, or within the Child Welfare System. We do this to address ongoing discrimination and injustice to contribute to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples and to foster Reconciliation.

The LHF has more than 30 educational exhibitions that inform people about Indigenous history through art and other mediums that are free to borrow, and some exhibitions are available online. LHF also has curriculum for K-12 for teachers and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Research, Communication materials and Podcasts, Workshops and Training for businesses, all aimed at educating Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, etc. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding to eliminate racism against Indigenous Peoples. We also offer Cultural Reclamation Workshops, share Best Practices about Language Revitalization and Food Sovereignty, etc. along with other tools to support hope and healing.

To learn about Valard Construction, please visit: www.valard.com

For media inquiries, please contact:
Teresa Edwards, B.A., LL.B / J.D.
Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel
Legacy of Hope Foundation
tedwards@legacyofhope.ca