Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize and celebrate the achievement of the Tlicho women. As women, we face more barriers when building our careers. Most often, it is the woman who balances the needs of children and family with the demands of work. And for women who pursue employment in mining, there are even more challenges as they navigate a maledominated field.
Mr. Speaker, Indigenous employees at NWT mines represent between 16 and 18 percent of the total employees. Women represent 15.3 percent of the mining industry in the NWT. Mr. Speaker, every Indigenous woman working at the NWT mine has overcome challenges to be there. So when an Indigenous woman achieves success and is recognized with an award from the mining sector, we can all celebrate.
Today I want to recognize Ms. Grace Mackenzie. Grace is a mine liaison with the Tlicho government, and she was given the 2023 Award for Women in Mining NWT. Grace began her career in mining in 1998 in human resources with Diavik Diamond Mine and then Ekati Mine. She later joined De Beers Gahcho Kue Mine as a community liaison before moving into her current position with the Tlicho government. Grace is acknowledged as having a big impact on raising cultural awareness within the mining sector. She holds a warm and honest approach that encourage positive relationships between the government and Indigenous communities. She was recognized for her role with De Beers' Books in Homes program where she visited schools for more than a decade. She is passionate about her culture and people, has decades of experience in mining, and holds a commitment to cultural respect and equity. Grace is a role model to women and youth in the Tlicho and across the NWT. Grace has shown that you can work in the mining sector, have a rewarding successful career, and promote your culture.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Grace Mackenzie on her years of work promoting positive relationship in the mining sector and promoting Tlicho culture. She is a positive role model to our communities, and I hope to see more women achieve success in mining as Grace has done. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi.
Member from Monfwi, Grace Mackenzie is upstairs. And thank you very much and congratulations on your award.
