Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories mining industry has a rich, storied history. It has provided thousands of jobs to citizens across our 33 communities, billions in revenue for investment in the wellbeing of our peoples, and innovations that put the territory on the cutting edge of responsible resource development. Success in the mining sector has always been driven by the determination of proud individuals pursuing excellence in their field. I stand today to celebrate some individuals whose contributions and accomplishments have recently been acknowledged with national awards from the mining industry.
First, I would like to recognize Eira Thomas, known by many as the “Queen of Diamonds,” who recently received the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia's Hugo Dummett Diamond Award for Excellence in Diamond Exploration and Development. I was fortunate to be at the recent Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver, British Columbia where she received her award. The Dummett Award recognizes her careerlong dedication and achievement in diamond exploration, discovery, and mine development in Canada. Ms. Thomas' work in the diamond industry has been nothing short of remarkable. She played an important role in the discovery and development of the Diavik mine through her work as a geologist, then executive with Aber Resources Ltd., the company we now know as Dominion Diamonds. She went on to work with Stornoway Diamonds, whose Renard Project in Quebec will soon become a new Canadian diamond mine. We all know the opportunities her work has brought to our territory, and Eira deserves our thanks for her contributions.
Meanwhile, at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada's Convention in Toronto next month, a special achievement award will be given to the Bjorkman family for their multigenerational dedication to geology, prospecting, and diversity. Jessica and Veronique Bjorkman in particular are helping to put a new face on prospecting in the NWT, most recently developing and leading the very successful communitybased Prospecting Training Course in Yellowknife, Detah, and the Tlicho region in association with our government and its Aboriginal and industry partners.
But, on the subject of excellence, Mr. Speaker, I must also acknowledge a dedicated, highlyrespected community leader whose footprints are deep and enduring in our territory. He was chosen this year to receive the Canadian Mining Industry's prestigious Skookum Jim Award for his innovation, hard work, and dedication to the mineral industry, through which he has improved the lives of many in his community. I am talking, of course, about Mr. Darrell Beaulieu. Mr. Beaulieu's leadership of the Det'on Cho Corporation, Denendeh Investment Corporation, and DEMCO, along with his countless board memberships, has brought Dene participation in our mineral industry to the fore. We pride ourselves in the Northwest Territories on our partnership approach to working with Aboriginal governments and Mr. Beaulieu deserves our gratitude for his role in the historic success of our mining industry. Mr. Speaker, success is always built on the back of the innovators who push the industry forward. I invite all Members of this Assembly to join me in celebrating the welldeserved recognition that these individuals have received from leaders in the mineral sector and the contributions they have each made to the economic and social wellbeing of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Ministers’ statements. Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Mr. David Jones, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner for Northwest Territories. Later this afternoon, I will table the 2015 Annual Report of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Jones to the House this afternoon.
---Applause.
