Three women from the Northwest Territories have recently completed an 11-day paid work placement at the Gahcho Kué Mine, marking a significant milestone in the Building Forever: Women’s Pre-Trades Program.
This initiative, a collaboration between De Beers’ Gahcho Kué Mine, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and the Native Women’s Association of the Northwest Territories, is designed to encourage and prepare women for careers in the trades industry, challenging traditional industry norms
Participant Experiences
Participants Raeleen Mantla, Justina Moosenose, and Teresa Weyallon Zoe have shared inspiring stories from their time at the mine in July. Raeleen, from Behchokǫ̀, discovered a renewed interest in trades at the mine’s vehicle shop, saying,
“Before this, I didn’t think I’d find something I’d be interested in. But getting hands-on experience here was an eye-opener. It showed me so many great opportunities. It was like I had an epiphany – I finally knew what I wanted to do for a career.”
Likewise, Justina of Gamètì found the program reinforced her desire to expand her trade skills, while Teresa, also from Behchokǫ̀, rekindled her high school interest in welding, further solidifying her career path.
Management’s Pledge
Lyndon Clark, the General Manager of Gahcho Kué mine, emphasized the mine’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workspace. “Building Forever is more than a program; it’s our pledge to create enduring, positive impact,” remarked Clark. This initiative aligns with De Beers’ broader Building Forever strategy, particularly under the “Accelerating Equal Opportunities” pillar. This strategy also encompasses “Leading Ethical Practices”, “Protecting the Natural World”, and “Partnering for Thriving Communities”.
Program Background and Future Endeavors
Launched in early 2022, the Women’s Pre-Trades Program is a part of the joint initiative among Gahcho Kué, the Government of the NWT, and the Native Women’s Association of the NWT. The Gahcho Kue mine, a joint venture between De Beers Group (51% – the operator) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49%), situated about 280 km northeast of Yellowknife in Canada’s Northwest Territories, has become a platform for promoting inclusivity in the trades sector.
With approximately 650 employees in Canada, De Beers is not only advancing this program but is also actively involved in other projects like the closure of the Snap Lake mine in the NWT and Victor mine in Northern Ontario. Moreover, the company is advancing the Chidliak Project to establish a technologically advanced diamond mine on Baffin Island employing FutureSmart Mining principles.
Through the Women’s Pre-Trades Program and its other initiatives, De Beers Group aims to continue to make strides towards fostering a more inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready trades industry in Canada.
