Hatch brightens the holiday season for the children of Cheslatta Carrier Nation

Northern British Columbia, Canada saw one of the most devastating forest fires in its history rage through the province this past summer, destroying several thousand square kilometers of forested land, including more than 26 square kilometers along the north shore of Cheslatta Lake. Many communities, including Cheslatta Carrier Nation (Cheslatta), were forced to evacuate their homes, leaving most of its residents displaced.

Cheslatta is rebuilding their community. Nearly four months later, they're busy resurrecting new homes and supporting each other as they prepare for the holiday season.

Cheslatta is located just 200 kilometers away from Rio Tinto’s Kemano T2 Project, for which Hatch is providing EPCM services. Cheslatta and the Haisla Nation have been participating with Rio Tinto on the project, ensuring their cultures and traditions are respected as construction is undertaken.

Hatch strives to support the communities in which we work and so saw an opportunity to support the Cheslatta community and brighten the holiday season for 40 Cheslatta children. Travelling to the northern B.C. reserve, Alex Pietralla, Business Development Manager of Infrastructure and Chelsie Klassen, Director of Indigenous Engagement hand-delivered gifts with Cheslatta First Nation Band Manager, Shelly Wall.

“Hatch married a community need with our corporate commitment this holiday season—that’s positive change at its best,” said Klassen.

Read more about the Kemano T2 project and how Cheslatta has named the tunnel boring machine that will help bring the project to life.