Diavik Diamond Mines recently completed its first Aboriginal Leadership Development Program (ALDP), an initiative designed to teach potential leaders new skills, ranging from more meticulous work habits to effective communication.
Designed and delivered by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), with input from Diavik, the pilot program was launched in April for Diavik’s full-time aboriginal employees, as well as those on contract.
“Diavik is committed to the professional development of its aboriginal workforce,” 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.”
The ALDP consisted of seven modules that addressed 16 leadership skills, and included more than 160 hours of training, augmented with mentoring from Diavik staff. Course content was built around SAIT’s applied management certificate program, but altered somewhat to take into account Diavik’s 24-hour, year-round mining operation and the varying employee work schedules.
The seven graduates are: Michael Lafferty, Richard Lafferty, Gloria Lizotte, Gordon Maurice, Derrick Sangris, Richard Simon, and Darcy Sinclair.
All are employed by Diavik or its contractor companies.
“It’s given me more self-confidence,” says Richard Lafferty, 38, a field supervisor for Diavik and member of the Dogrib Dene First Nation. “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 more than 700 workers, the majority of whom are Northerners. About half of those are aboriginal.
The event was marked with a graduation ceremony at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife, N.W.T.
The Diavik diamond mine, situated 300 km northeast of Yellowknife, is 60%-owned by
Be the first to comment on "Diavik finishes first aboriginal leadership program"