NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: North Slave Region

Tags: mining, health, social sciences, community engagement

Objective(s): The objectives of this research are to: 1) understand the factors that help Dene and MTtis workers move into and work well in the diamond mines; 2) understand what the lived experience and change is like for miners as they become a part of operating diamond mines; 3) understand what the minersÆ experiences mean for their families; and 4) describe the changes, benefits and impacts at the level of the individual, family and community in the new diamond mining economy of the NWT.

Project Description: This PhD-level research project is focussed on the impacts of the diamond mining economy on the wellness and resilience of aboriginal individuals and their families. The objectives of this research are to: 1) understand the factors that help Dene and Métis workers move into and work well in the diamond mines; 2) understand what the lived experience and change is like for miners as they become a part of operating diamond mines; 3) understand what the miners’ experiences mean for their families; and 4) describe the changes, benefits and impacts at the level of the individual, family and community in the new diamond mining economy of the NWT. Data collection will comprise of participant observation and interviews. Observation will occur in the communities and the mines, and the researcher will engage in note-taking and journaling to record her impressions. This will be done in order to observe the culture, setup, and systems of the mines, in particular. Interviews are planned with Tlicho, Yellowknives Dene and Métis mine employees and their families. In addition, interviews will also be conducted with opinion leaders, including priests, government leaders, Chiefs, Grand Chiefs, employment officers, mine management staff, and Chief Executive Officers. The researcher will seek to do 15 interviews at both at the Diavik Diamond Mine and the Ekati Mine, and in the communities where the families of mine employees live. The interviews will focus on gaining the perspectives of people affected by mining, in particular the ways in which they adapt to the new mining economy. Interviewees will be given the opportunity to speak through a translator if they so wish. Consent to participate in the research will be obtained from all interviewees. The researcher will record interviews primarily through note-taking. Interview data will be stored in a locked filing cabinet in the researcher’s home and computer files will be password protected. Interviewees’ names will not be released with the results of the study. The results of the study will be shared with interested individuals (e.g., Impact and Benefit Agreement workers, Chiefs, leaders, interested mine workers, etc.) in meetings, if the researcher is invited to do so. A short report on the findings will also be made available to the communities. A copy of the PhD dissertation and ensuing publications will be deposited at the Aurora Research Institute library. The study will be conducted from February 22 to December 31, 2007 at the Diavik Diamond Mine, Ekati Mine, and within the municipalities of Yellowknife, Behchoko, Wekweti, Wha Ti and Gameti.