Social Responsibility
Tahera Diamond Corporation recognizes that working in the North requires a close relationship with the people and organizations in the local communities. Tahera will continue to diligently visit the communities of the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut. The Company has always believed that it is crucial to communicate its plans to the communities and to allow people to ask questions about the Company, its on-going work, and its future plans.
The Company's Management has extensively visited the communities of Kugluktuk, Cambridge Bay, and Gjoa Haven; and has also visited Bathurst Inlet, Omingmaktok, Taloyoak, and Pelly Bay. In all these communities, the Company has had the privilege of meeting many people who have a vested interest in the development of the Kitikmeot Region. Tahera appreciates the support and comments received from the communities.
The Company has had extensive contact with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA), the region's Inuit organization, regarding its exploration and development plans. The KIA represents the Inuit people of the Kitikmeot Region, and as such, is the lead organization in any discussions with the Company with respect to the Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement (IIBA). There are also many other organizations, such as the Nunavut Impact Review Board and Nunavut Water Board, which the Company works with on a regular basis. In December 2003, Tahera reached an agreement in principle with the KIA for the purposes of satisfying the requirements of Articles 20 and 26 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, and outlining the benefits that will be provided to Inuit as a result of the development and operation of the Jericho Diamond Mine. The IIBA was formally signed on September 9th, 2004. The agreement ensures that local employment, training, and business opportunities arising from construction and operation of the mine are provided to Kitikmeot Inuit. The IIBA also outlines the special considerations and compensation that Tahera will provide for Inuit regarding traditional, social, and cultural matters, and effects on Inuit water rights.
Tahera Diamond Corporation Co-Sponsors CPR Program for Nunavut High School
Tahera co-sponsored the introduction of a CPR program for the Inuksuk High School, located in Iqaluit, Nunavut. The program was designed and conducted by the ACT Foundation, which has successfully introduced similar programs into high school curricula in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Through this program, high school teachers provide grade ten students with lifesaving CPR and first aid skills. All students will graduate with the skills and knowledge to help save lives. The launch of the Iqaluit program marks the introduction of ACT Foundation's work to Nunavut.
Tahera donates diamond with proceeds to Nunavut Literacy Council.
Tahera donated a diamond that was raffled at the 2007 Geoscience Forum and raised approximately $8,000 for the Nunavut Literacy Council.
Tahera Diamond Corporation Co-Sponsors CPR Program for Nunavut High School
Tahera co-sponsored the introduction of a CPR program for the Inuksuk High School, located in Iqaluit, Nunavut. The program was designed and conducted by the ACT Foundation, which has successfully introduced similar programs into high school curricula in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Through this program, high school teachers provide grade ten students with lifesaving CPR and first aid skills. All students will graduate with the skills and knowledge to help save lives. The launch of the Iqaluit program marks the introduction of ACT Foundation's work to Nunavut.
Tahera is pleased to be a co-sponsor for this program, as it will benefit students, their families, and the community. Tahera intends to work with the ACT Foundation to bring similar CPR programs to high schools in western Nunavut, where the Jericho Diamond Mine is located.
For more information on the ACT Foundation visit www.actfoundation.ca
The Nunavut Stone
In May 2002, Tahera presented a 2.2 carat round cut diamond to the people of Nunavut. The diamond was presented to the Premier of Nunavut, the Honorable Paul Okalik and to the Speaker of the House.
The Nunavut Stone, displayed in the Legislative Building in Iqaluit, the territory's capital, symbolizes the emergence of a new industry for Nunavut. Tahera is proud to have participated in this special event, providing one of the first polished diamonds from Nunavut to be permanently displayed for all to enjoy.
The 2.2 carat Jericho gem is set in the Territorial Mace, which is made of materials and minerals native to Nunavut. It was the largest stone from a test-cutting exercise of diamonds extracted from the Jericho bulk-sample.
Community Needs
The Company recognizes the need for employment and training opportunities in Nunavut. While there are many local people with excellent skills, there are a large number who have not been given the opportunity to develop such skills. Tahera believes that local people deserve to be involved in its projects, and has therefore successfully hired a significant number of local people.
The Company has become an active board member of The Kitikmeot Employment and Training Partners (KETP). The KETP has successfully trained local people in such areas as heavy equipment operations, drilling, and cooking. The KETP also provides a database of people with specific skills who are available for employment. Tahera believes it is organizations like the KETP that allow local people to gain the exposure to training and jobs leading to meaningful, long-term employment.
Tahera is also a contributor to the Bathurst Inlet Road and Port Project, which contemplates the construction of a port facility at the south end of Bathurst Inlet. A connecting all-season road running westward would link many previously isolated projects, including the Jericho Diamond Mine. The project has received support from the federal and territorial governments, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, and the mining and exploration industry. If constructed, the road and port would enhance development of the Kitikmeot Region, in turn benefitting local people