Photo courtesy De Beers
Three women in the Northwest Territories have completed an 11-day paid work placement at De Beers’ Gahcho Kué Mine as part of the Building Forever: Women’s Pre-Trades Program.
The initiative, which is a collaboration between the mine, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and the Native Women’s Association of the Northwest Territories, aims to encourage and prepare women for careers in the trades industry. Specifically, the program breaks through traditional industry norms, allowing participants to learn about various trades from professionals, which will help determine their future career paths.
“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,” says program participant Raeleen Mantla of Behchokǫ̀, NWT. “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.”
Fellow participants Justina Moosenose (Gamètì, NWT) and Teresa Weyallon Zoe (Behchokǫ̀) also had positive experiences, with Justina sharing that the program reinforced her desire to expand her trade skills, and Teresa saying her high school interest in welding had been rekindled.
Launched in early 2022, the Women’s Pre-Trades Program is a part of De Beers’ Building Forever strategy, which falls under its “Accelerating Equal Opportunities” pillar. Lyndon Clark, general manager of Gahcho Kué mine, underscores the site’s dedication to a diverse and inclusive workspace.
“Building Forever is more than a program,” he says. “It’s our pledge to create enduring, positive impact.”
Gahcho Kué Mine is a joint venture between operator De Beers Group (51 per cent) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49 per cent). The site, which opened in 2016 and has a life of mine until 2030, is located 280 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife.
