Tłı̨chǫ and Diavik sign historic agreement as diamond mine set to close

“I wish that you would go out there and find more diamonds so that there’s more work for people.”

— Former Grand Chief Joe Rabesca, signatory to original Diavik agreement in 2000.

The Tłı̨chǫ Government and Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine marked a new stage in their decades-long partnership, with the signing of a Closure Agreement covering the next 25 years.

While the signing was at a public ceremony Thursday afternoon at the Cultural Centre in Behchokǫ, the exact details of the agreement are confidential.

As Diavik ends commercial production in March, the agreement “reaffirms the shared commitment of both parties” to safe and responsible reclamation and long-term stewardship of Tłı̨chǫ lands, stated officials at the ceremony.

It will also provide is funding for socio-economic mitigations to support Tłı̨chǫ-led initiatives for Tłı̨chǫ communities and citizens during Diavik’s closure phase.

As well, it also provides commitments to employment, training and business opportunities for the Tłı̨chǫ.

Chief Operating Officer of Diavik Diamond Mine Matthew Breen said the Closure Agreement, “is a natural continuation of our longstanding commitments to each other with a specific focus on the next phase of the mine.”

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He continued: “All mines have a lifespan. We have a beginning, we have a middle, and we have an end. And the end of commercial production at the end of March is aligned with our original plan for Diavik.

“We believe that Diavik’s closure and remediation will be a positive example of how mine closure should take place in the Northwest Territories and leave a positive legacy.”

Former mine worker, now Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty said the partnership with Rio Tinto created opportunities for Tłı̨chǫ people.

“Many of our Tłı̨chǫ workers were there from the start 25-plus years, and I believe some are still there,” “They tell stories of their experiences, adapting quickly to a new way of life, mine life, the two weeks and two weeks out, learning new skills, routine of the shift work and making a part of everyday life, which we weren’t used to back in the day.

“(We’ve enjoyed) 25 years-plus of apprenticeship, on-the-job training, hands-on experience, which allowed our people to develop skills, technical skills, and work habits that continue to benefit them today.

“And I came from that era as well — I worked at Diavik for almost seven years at the tail end of exploration, during construction, at the beginning of operation.”

Tłı̨chǫ Logistics has been a long-term contractor, providing on-site services at the mine and has “demonstrated how people can take on active roles in running and supporting major projects out on our land.”

Lafferty also said Diavik supported Tłı̨chǫ communities in different ways, through donations, sponsorships, helping the schools and culture “and our way of life and wellness.”

Diavik also supported local businesses, and prepared area youth for future careers.

“There’s also been a very successful direct scholarship contributions, allowed our Tłı̨chǫ people, our students, to pursue post-secondary education, we had hundreds and hundreds of Tłı̨chǫ pursue post secondary because of that, helping build the next generation of skilled professionals and leaders.”

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Lafferty said the most important element of reclamation work will be to ensure the land and water are managed responsibly and the mine site is left in  a good state.

Former Grand Chief Joe Rabesca, signatory to original Diavik agreement in 2000, said the mine  has benefited Tłı̨chǫ communities.

“We worked together, we listened to each other — now the only thing I’m kind of sad about is that you’re leaving. But there’s a lot of people talking with the Chiefs right now. Lots of people that are going to be laid off.

The Elder continued: “Some are talking with (Grand Chief) Jackson, saying, ‘Where am I going to find the next job to support my family?’

“(When you) drive around the community, because of mining … people have good homes, they can support their family, their food, their dress, they own a vehicle, their own Ski-Doo. I see a big change. That’s what the company did for us.

“I wish that you would go out there and find more diamonds so that there’s more work for people. That’s all I worry about. I worry about people all the time, and now you guys are leaving, but I hope God will protect you wherever you go, because you did a lot for people in the North.”