YELLOWKNIFE - THE DIAVIK DIAMOND MINE has marked the successful completion of its inaugural Aboriginal Leadership Development Program (ALDP), a program designed to give potential leaders a variety of new skills from how to work to a high standard of quality to effective communication.
Designed and delivered by SAIT Polytechnic in collaboration with Diavik, the pilot program for Aboriginal Diavik and contract employees was launched in April. The ALDP comprised seven modules that addressed 16 leadership competencies, and included over 160 hours of training, augmented with mentoring from Diavik staff. Course content was built around SAIT's Applied Management Certificate Program, but customized to take into account Diavik's 24-hour, 365-day mining operation and the varying work schedules of employees.
The seven Aboriginal graduatesMichael Lafferty, Richard Lafferty, Gloria Lizotte, Gordon Maurice, Derrick Sangris, Richard Simon and Darcy Sinclairattended a graduation ceremony at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife.
"It's given me more self-confidence," explains participant Richard Lafferty, a 38-year-old Dogrib Dene and Diavik field supervisor. "It's given me the opportunity to reflect on myself and my role at work, at home and in my community. It's shown me effective ways to manage conflict, build teams and develop trust."
Diavik employs over 700 workers, the majority of whom are Northerners. Approximately half of the northern workforce is Aboriginal. "We want to make sure we have Aboriginal employees at all levels throughout our organization," says Leah Von Hagen, manager of workforce development at Diavik. "The Aboriginal Leadership Development Program is preparing participants to consider and apply for leadership positions at Diavik as they become available."
For more information, visit www.Diavik.ca or contact Tom Hoefer at 867-669-6500.
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