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Inspired by the cultures and traditions of the communities where we work, a new Cultural Centre has opened at the Gahcho Kué mine, located 280 km northeast of Yellowknife.

The first workshop featured some special guests, including De Beers Canada CEO Kim Truter and The De Beers Group of Companies global CEO Bruce Cleaver, who joined nearly 40 employees who learned how to make a traditional dreamcatcher. The instructor for the workshop was Violet Martin, a Tlicho artist.

“All of us took great pride in making a piece of really special art,” said Allan Rodel, General Manager of Gahcho Kué Mine.

De Beers Community Liaison Coordinator Shirley Tsetta, part of the team that organized the workshop, said many employees had never even owned a dreamcatcher, so the opportunity to learn the traditional way to make one for a loved one back home was very rewarding.

The centre is stocked with a variety of crafting supplies and tools, and workshops will be held on regular basis at the centre, including a second dreamcatcher workshop will be held at the Gahcho Kué Cultural Centre from June 19-22, coinciding with National Aboriginal Day.

Employees are also welcome to use the facility at any time during their off-hours while at the mine.

Both De Beers’ Victor Mine and Snap Lake Mine have similar facilities. At Victor Mine, a traditional Cree structure called a shabotawon is used for cultural gatherings and events. The Snap Lake Mine hosted a cultural centre that included a book and video library as well as a variety of craft supplies and tools.

Gahcho Kue Mine is a joint venture between De Beers Canada (51% - the Operator) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49%).