The Northwest Territories (NWT) said thank you Thursday to a resource and industry that has made it strong.
The Diamond Gala, co-sponsored by the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), celebrated the 25th anniversary of the NWT diamond discovery by paying tribute to the discoverers, mines, and Aboriginal governments that have enabled it to grow.
The sold-out event was held at the conclusion of the 2016 Geoscience Forum, the NWT’s largest convention and tradeshow held annually in Yellowknife.
Key-shaped crystal awards were presented to the individuals responsible for the discoveries that became the four NWT diamond mines – unlocking the potential for diamond mining in the NWT.
Mines and Aboriginal governments received diamond-shaped crystal awards to recognize their role in constructing and operating the mines, and creating significant new employment and business opportunities.
Charles (Chuck) Fipke provided the evening’s keynote presentation, speaking on the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of exploration in the NWT.
Premier Bob McLeod delivered remarks highlighting just how defining to the NWT economy the discovery of diamonds was, noting the billions in economic activity , millions in community investment, and thousands of high-paying jobs it has provided. He also re-affirmed the GNWT’s dedication to fostering a strong future for responsible resource development in the NWT.
Other speakers also celebrated the history of diamonds in Canada's North, which began as early as 1970 on Somerset Island, Nunavut when basic exploration work produced a kimberlite showing.
Canada — predominantly on the strength of the NWT play — is now the world's third largest producer of diamonds by value.
The GNWT has committed in its mandate to implement the NWT Mineral Development Strategy — a suite of initiatives designed to support and encourage future innovation and investment in mining and exploration.
Award Recipients
‘Discoverers’
- Chuck Fipke
- Stu Blusson
- Jim Eccott
- Gren Thomas
- Bob Gannicott
- Chris Jennings
- Ned Goodman
- Randy Turner
- Harry Dobson
- John Dupuis
Diamond Mines
- Ekati – Jon Carlson, Dominion Diamond Corporation
- Diavik – Denton Henkelman, Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.
- Snap Lake – Erik Madsen, De Beers Group of Companies
- Gahcho Kué – Patrick Evans, Mountain Province Diamonds and Allan Rodel, De Beers Group of Companies
Aboriginal Governments
- Tłı̨chǫ Government
- Yellowknives Dene First Nation
- Łutsel K’e and Kache Dene First Nation
- Deninu Kué First Nation
- Northwest Territory Métis Nation
- North Slave Métis Alliance
- Kitikmeot Inuit Association