March 17, 2026 — North Vancouver, B.C. — Seaspan and the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation have donated $50,000 to the Spitz Centre for Indigenous Business Education at University of British Columbia (UBC) Sauder School of Business to support Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary business education.
The Foundation’s grant, made in conjunction with Seaspan, will help reduce financial barriers and expand access to academic and career opportunities for Indigenous learners.
“Seaspan and the Washington Companies recognize that increasing access to education is fundamental to advancing economic inclusion and meaningful reconciliation, and we are honoured to support Indigenous students at UBC Sauder and contribute to pathways that empower future leaders,” said Derek Ollmann, CEO – Transportation for the Washington Companies.
“With this contribution from Seaspan and the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, we’re helping to break down systemic and financial barriers for the younger generation in attending post-secondary,” said Dennis Thomas-Whonoak, Executive Director, Spitz Centre for Indigenous Business Education at UBC Sauder. “Our hope is to build bridges with like-minded, values-aligned employers, like Seaspan.”
Derek Ollman (left) with Dennis Thomas-Whonoak (right)
Seaspan maintains strong partnerships with local Indigenous communities and organizations across British Columbia and remains committed to advancing education, skills training and long-term career pathways in the marine industry and beyond.
This donation reflects Seaspan’s ongoing commitment to investing in education, strengthening communities and supporting future Indigenous business leaders.
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ABOUT THE DENNIS AND PHYLLIS WASHINGTON FOUNDATION
The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation is the major philanthropic organization for The Washington Companies and the Washington Family. The Foundation strives to better the human condition by supporting programs and services that give people the tools to enhance the quality of their lives and to benefit society as a whole. Funding for the Foundation comes from personal contributions from the Washington Family and annual contributions from The Washington Companies.
ABOUT SEASPAN
Seaspan is a leader in Canada’s shipbuilding, design, ship repair and marine industry, including tug and barge operations on the West Coast. With modern facilities and a dedicated workforce of about 5,000 in North Vancouver and Victoria, the company is a trusted and strategic partner on a range of complex projects for both government and the private sector.
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