The Tłı̨chǫ government and Diavik diamond mine have signed a formal closure agreement as the Northwest Territories operation prepares to end commercial production in March.
The agreement was signed on February 26 at a public ceremony at the Cultural Centre in Behchokǫ̀, attended by Tłı̨chǫ citizens, Elders, community members and staff. The event included opening and closing prayers, a community feast and a drum dance.
Diavik and the Tłı̨chǫ government first entered into a partnership agreement in 2000, recognising the importance of Tłı̨chǫ participation across all stages of the project. Over the life of the mine, that partnership has included commitments to employment, training, contracting and community investment.
Tłı̨chǫ citizens gained work experience and developed trades and technical skills during construction and operations, while Tłı̨chǫ businesses expanded capacity through contracting opportunities. Elders and community members also contributed Traditional Knowledge and feedback during construction, operations, closure planning and remediation activities.
With Diavik transitioning into closure following more than two decades of production, the new agreement outlines commitments to safe and responsible reclamation and long-term stewardship of Tłı̨chǫ lands. It includes funding for socioeconomic mitigation measures to support Tłı̨chǫ-led initiatives during the closure phase, as well as continued commitments to employment, training and business opportunities.
“Our partnership with the Tłı̨chǫ government has been foundational to Diavik’s success,” said Diavik COO Matthew Breen.
“We are proud to continue to strengthen those bonds as we move into closure, working together towards a positive future for Tłı̨chǫ members and communities. We will continue to treat the people, the land and waters with respect, to allow for traditional and cultural activities on the reclaimed land, and to leave a lasting and positive legacy in the NWT.”
Source: DCLA
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