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The ringing of a traditional jingle dress and the beat of Indigenous drums mixed with the rumble of 100 tonne mining trucks at De Beers Victor Mine where events to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day were all about connecting the diverse mine family.

Located in northern Ontario on the traditional lands of Attawapiskat First Nation, the remote fly-in/fly-out Victor Mine marks the event annually. This year included a goose calling contest, sunrise ceremony, a feast of goose, fry bread and moose stew prepared in the on-site Shabatowan, a visit by 26 Elders and guests from local Indigenous communities and demonstrations of traditional dance that ended with all participants and spectators joining hands in a friendship dance.

For Victor Mine systems technician Kristy Corbiere, it is a time when she can share her pride in being an Ojibway dancer as a way to pull people together.

“It helps create community within the mine. It’s me sharing my background and who I am, so that they can understand and feel my inspiration,” said Corbiere, who has worked at Victor Mine for 10 years.

“It can make all the difference, especially with the working relationships we have across site,” said Corbiere. “Maybe today I don’t work with you, but maybe something next week brings me into your area. You have experienced a bit of my life and makes it easier to work together and build some camaraderie.”

Since opening in 2016, Gahcho Kué Mine in the Northwest Territories has held on-site festivities for Indigenous People Day, and this year hosted a feeding of the fire ceremony and traditional Dene hand-games tournaments for employees.

"We are hosting events at the mine site to provide an opportunity for staff to reflect on the history, contribution and culture of Indigenous peoples," said Kelly Brenton, Superintendent of Indigenous Affairs and Sustainability for Gahcho Kué Mine.

"At Gahcho Kué, we have developed an environment of inclusiveness and these celebrations expand on that by developing connections, cultural understanding and having fun along the way."

For Carol Achneepineskum, Indigenous Relations Superintendent for Victor Mine, hosting traditional activities at the mine is also a show of respect for local communities. “We’re demonstrating that we’re not just here to mine and leave but that De Beers has deep respect for the communities and the land.”

For a video of the celebrations at Victor Mine, click here.