UN Women, Teck Resources provide Indigeous training in Chile through Originarias Program

The initiative will also expand training and learning opportunities for Indigenous youth, including skill-building in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) to support the long-term sustainability of local communities. Funding will also support new partnerships and develop new sources of income for the Originarias Training Centre, Teck said.

Teck began supporting the program in 2016 with an initial $1 million investment, followed by a second $1 million investment in 2018. To date, more than 1,000 Indigenous women from communities throughout the country have received training through the program.

“Supporting and empowering women and Indigenous Peoples in the areas where we operate is central to Teck’s commitment to responsible resource development,” CEO Don Lindsay said in a media statement.

“We are especially proud that this investment supports women and families in Northern Chile where Teck is building our QB2 project and is part of our work to support strong communities throughout the Tarapacá Region.”

“UN Women promotes fairer and more resilient economies where women are protagonists of economic recovery and transformative processes,” said Maria Noel Vaeza, UN Women Regional Director for the Americas and the Caribbean.

“The Originarias Center is fundamental to ensuring that no one is left behind, and Teck’s pledged support contributes to advancing women’s economic participation.”