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MAX Celebrates the People and Projects Making a Difference

A former NWT premier, a new gas project and the NWT’s first diamond mine reclamation project were among 11 recipients of the industry’s Mining And Exploration (MAX) awards, staged November 16, 2023 in Yellowknife. 

The evening also featured a keynote address from Paul Gruner, recently appointed the CEO for Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation, and a fund-raising event for Yellowknife’s Adopt a Family with auctioneer Wally Schumann. Padlock-shaped ice carvings on the theme “Unlocking Our Potential” decorated each table at the Centre Ice Plaza, artfully transformed into the MAX banquet venue. Ice-encased logos of the principal sponsors anchored the bar.

One noteworthy honour was the one-time Special Achievement Award, presented posthumously to Don Bubar and accepted by his son, Andrew. It was created to honour Bubar’s decade-long development of the Nechalacho Rare Earth Project, his national advocacy for Indigenous inclusion in resource development, and education on mining and minerals for youth.

First staged in 2017, MAX is a joint venture between the NWT/NU Chamber of Mines and the GNWT’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. It’s paired with the annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum, which marked its 51st year. 

Grace Mackenzie
The MAX Women in Mining Award presented to Grace Mackenzie, the Tłı̨chǫ Government’s Mining Liaison Coordinator, for her 25-year career in human resources and community relations. Presented by Melissa Ng, National Chair of Women in Mining Canada.
MAX 2023 Whitford, Brenton
The MAX Award for Economic Leadership presented to the MET/Nuna joint venture for its three-year contract to decommission the Snap Lake Diamond Mine. Presented to Mark Whitford, president of the North Slave Metris Alliance, by Kelly Brenton, Social Performance Manager for De Beers Canada.
MAX 2023 Strand, Smith

The MAX Award for Indigenous Achievement went to the Inuvialuit Petroleum Corporation for its work to bring into production the M-18 gas well near Tuktoyaktuk. Presented to IPC Chair and CEO Duane Smith by ITI Deputy Minister Pam Strand.

MAX 2023 McLeod, Cournoyea

The MAX Award for Distinguished Service was presented to Nellie Cournoyea, CM, for her lifelong leadership roles among the Inuvialuit and in the NWT Legislature. Presented by former NWT Premier Bob McLeod.

MAX 2023 Vivian, Dubar

The MAX Special Achievement Award presented posthumously to Don Bubar and accepted by his son, Andrew, presented by past Chamber president Gary Vivian.

MAX 2023 Ingram, Chernnys

The WSCC Safety Award to Sheila Chernys of Burgundy Diamonds’ Ekati Mine for her passion and leadership for best safety practice at the territorial and national levels. Presented by WSCC Chief Mining and OHS Inspector, Carey Ingram.

MAX 2023 Environmental Award

The MAX Environmental, Social & Governance Award was shared by the Ekati, Diavik and Gahcho Kué diamond mines, Pine Point Mining, & Gold Terra Resources for major contributions to support wildfire control this summer. Presented by Chamber President Kenny Ruptash (far right) to: Mike Lowing (Diavik), Kelly Brenton (Gahcho Kué), Ryan Bachynski (Gold Terra), Andrew Williams (Pine Point) and Sheila Chernys (Ekati).

Paul Gruner

Paul Gruner, CEO of Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation, gave a brief and impassioned keynote speech promoting the potential for the resource industry across the North.

MAX 2023 Schuman Auctioneer, Brenton

Auctioneer Wally Schumann cajoled more than $30,000 from the crowd in a spirited fund- raising auction for Yellowknife’s Adopt-a-Family programs. Kelly Brenton shows an Inuit carving provided by De Beers Canada.