In 2023, Hudbay’s Manitoba Business Unit expanded its Indigenous Circle for Everyone (ICE) program, launched in 2022, offering employees a comprehensive exploration of the cultural aspects of the neighbouring First Nations communities.
ICE adopts an engaging and innovative approach to deepen employees’ understanding of Indigenous cultures in Canada, particularly those near Flin Flon and Snow Lake. Held every third week of the month, ICE sessions feature different aspects of Indigenous culture, including language preservation, medicinal insights, sweat lodge ceremonies, land-based learnings, traditional songs and stories, and insights into community living. Special events celebrating the Winter and Summer Solstices featured performances from the Flin Flon, Snow Lake and Opaskwayak Cree Nation communities, as well as from the Hudbay team. The Summer Solstice event took place on National Indigenous Peoples Day, and Hudbay was a major sponsor of the celebration in partnership with the Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre.
ICE also emphasizes the Seven Sacred Teachings – symbolized by animals that represent a virtue like wisdom, respect and humility – that guide ethical conduct and harmonious community relationships.
All ICE sessions are recorded and posted on the Company’s Sharing Circle intranet site. This platform serves as a hub for sharing Canadian Indigenous cultural teachings, traditional knowledge and historical and contemporary issues. It also includes information on upcoming virtual and in-person events.
ICE will continue in 2024, providing both familiar and new cultural experiences.