A contribution from De Beers Group helped youth build stronger connections to their culture through the Tłı̨chǫ Įmbè program.
De Beers contributed $43,400 in 2023 to Tłı̨chǫ Įmbè, an initiative that aligns with the mine’s commitment to creating a sustainable and positive impact in the communities where it operates. The Tłı̨chǫ Nation is in the Northwest Territories of Canada, covering 39,000 hectares of land around the communities of Behchokǫ̀, Whatì, Gamètì and Wekweètì.
Tłı̨chǫ Įmbè focuses on preserving and passing down cultural knowledge and skills to the younger generation of Tlicho youth in all 4 mentioned Tlicho communities. The program offered a broad range of activities to over 30 young community members which included traditional beading, birch bark crafting.
Valuable outdoor skills training (with certifications) over a period of 7 weeks. Youth were taught Traditional Knowledge from Elders in the community, thus preserving the method of oral teaching and bridging gaps between generations. Strengthening the youths Tlicho language skills is a consistent theme throughout this program.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting increased self-confidence, cultural awareness, and a deeper connection with their heritage. Haroon Bhatti, Social Way Specialist with De Beers Group, said, “We believe in supporting initiatives that not only align with our values but also make a real difference in people’s lives.”
The partnership between the Tłı̨chǫ Government and De Beers stands as an example of how corporate social responsibility and community empowerment can come together to create a sustainable future. De Beers operates the joint venture Gahcho Kué mine in the Northwest Territories and is advancing Snap Lake mine in the NWT and Victor mine in Northern Ontario through active closure.
