Previous Winners

2024

D. Jean Hutchinson

Professor of Geological Engineering, Queen's University, and Vice President, Innovative Geomechanics Inc.
Trailblazer

Jean Hutchinson is a Professor of Geological Engineering at Queen’s University and the Vice President of Innovative Geomechanics Inc. Dr. Hutchinson’s engineering focus has been on integrating geological knowledge into geomechanics for underground and surface mining, mine closure planning, transportation corridor hazard assessment and risk management, and landslide monitoring and risk management using instruments and remote sensing. Having enjoyed a marvellous career and incredible opportunities to work on challenging issues all over the world, Jean has been privileged to introduce thousands of students to the possibilities of careers in these topics, and to equip them with the tools to engage with these challenges, technically and societally. Recognizing the need to integrate and value the many perspectives on earth resource projects, Dr. Hutchinson proposed and championed the Masters of Earth and Energy Resources (MEERL) professional program. She has taught field courses on the mining cycle, mine closure planning and progressive decommissioning for more than 20 years and has been delighted to see graduates from these courses developing multi-dimensional teams and approaches to challenges on many mine sites across Canada and globally. She has benefitted tremendously from the perspectives and insights of an increasingly diverse group of students. Throughout her career, Jean has been an advocate for diversity in engineering. After graduating 40 years ago, at a time when less than 5% of the Engineering class were women, Jean has observed a gradual increase in the number of women working in mining, geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. Working with students and early career professionals in her role as a Professor, Jean has continued to observe barriers to diverse people’s careers, and highly qualified people leaving the industry due to lack of inclusivity. These experiences have led to Jean’s work to advocate and support diversity in mining and geological engineering, by creating research and career opportunities, and by raising awareness of diverse perspectives and inclusivity challenges, through public speaking, EDI advisory and promotional roles with several learned societies, developing and leading EDI training workshops for undergraduate students, and publishing papers on these topics. Dr. Hutchinson is pleased to serve on the Technical Boards of several organizations, including Rio Tinto’s Bingham Canyon Mine and the Hong Kong Slope Stability Technical Review Board. She has been the grateful recipient of a number of awards and medals, including the Glossop Medal (2019), the John B. Stirling Medal (2024), the Canadian Pacific Railway Medal (2017), the Robert L. Schuster Medal (2016) and the inaugural Engineering Education Excellence Award at Queen’s University (2016). Jean was honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada in 2011 and the Canadian Academy of Engineering in 2020.
Jean was nominated by Heather Jamieson

Marge Fraser

Owner, Northern Labour Services Ltd, and Co-owner, Khotin Constrution
Indigenous Trailblazer

Marge Fraser is a member of the Etzenlee Family affiliated with the Chiyone (Wolf) Clan of the Tahltan Nation, and currently resides in Smithers, B.C. Her involvement in the mining industry dates to the early 1950’s when her family relocated to Cassiar. At age 11, she commenced her first job for wages in a restaurant in Lower Post and at age 13, she moved to Fort St. John to pursue a high school education. Over the years, Marge has acquired diverse skills in various careers paths. Notably, she served as the first office manager, bookkeeper of TNDC, where she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the company. Her extensive experiences have given her a profound understanding of mining and road construction projects. In 2013, Marge incorporated her own venture, Northern Labour Services Ltd. and continue to operate. In 2022, she became a co-owner with her Granddaughter on a 60% Tahltan majority- owned construction company, Khotin Construction. In addition to her business endeavours, Marge holds certification as an alcohol and drug counsellor. This certification has been proven Invaluable in supporting her employees, particularly those residing in remote camp settings, which are prevalent in her chosen industry. Marge takes great pride in championing Indigenous hires and ensuring gender pay equity. Presently, she focuses on contributing to the capacity -building efforts in remote Northern Indigenous communities.
Marge was nominated by Natalie Cook.

Amy Lefebvre

Environmental Science, Western University
Indigenous Student Trailblazer

Having been born and raised in Timmins, a small town in Northern Ontario, Amy Lefebvre has always remained curious about her environment and strived to learn more about her surroundings. Intrinsically, she read many books, immersed herself into academics, and explored various extracurricular activities. This included learning about music through piano, art through dance, and sports through swimming. Amy’s curiosity about the world followed her throughout adolescence and into university, where she chose to study environmental science. This degree introduced her to the field of geoscience, meanwhile diversifying her skillset and developing her knowledge of numerous subjects. Through these experiences, Amy gained the confidence to successfully seek out research opportunities at Western University. Throughout her undergraduate degree, Amy has worked under different Earth Science professors throughout two summer research internships and two work-studies in geoscience, and has presented her work at PACROFI and PDAC. Her research contributions have been shared with Western University graduate students and alumni, and has been highlighted in a variety of posters, abstracts, and developing manuscripts. Furthermore, Amy is an executive member of the UWO Environmental Science Association, where she effectively collaborates with peers on the development of Earth Science related activities. Despite her various extracurricular accomplishments, Amy has remained devoted to her academics, and she is currently completing her Specialization in environmental science with an Honours in geology. After finishing her degree, Amy aims to continue to contribute to the field of Earth Science through future research and new initiatives.
As the recipient of the Indigenous Student Trailblazer award, Amy was awarded a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Sprott.

Raiyana Umar

Chemical Engineering, Laurentian University
Student Trailblazer

I am a fourth-year chemical engineering student at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario. My genuine passion for the technical challenges that the mining industry presents led me to pursue a 16-month internship as a high-pressure metallurgy process engineer at Hatch Ltd., a global engineering consultancy company. I was actively engaged in projects focused on devising efficient processes for enhanced metal recovery, specifically in the context of gold. I made meaningful contributions to these projects by leveraging my academic foundation and curiosity. This practical experience enhanced my understanding and passion for the mining sector. My immediate goal upon graduation from Laurentian is to work as a process engineer in the mining industry. I aim to apply the knowledge I have gained and make important contributions to overcome the challenges faced by the mining industry today. In the distant future, I plan to earn a doctorate in mining engineering to continuously learn and contribute to the industry through research and innovation. Furthermore, I'm equally passionate about driving positive change for women in engineering and mining. Currently, I serve on the board of the Laurentian Women in Engineering Club. In this role, I organize events that promote inclusivity and offer networking opportunities for female engineering students. I'm also actively involved in mentorship programs, where I guide and support aspiring women engineers by sharing insights from my academic and professional journey. I remain dedicated to promoting gender diversity within the mining industry and will continue contributing to such initiatives throughout my career.
As the recipient of the Student Trailblazer award, Raiyana was awarded a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Dundee Precious Metals.

Rachel Cranford

Principal, Operations Leader - Mining, Mineral and Metals, Stantec
Rick Hutson Mentor

After moving to North Bay from Southern Ontario, Rachel found herself drawn to the mining industry, after completing her first undergrad in Fine Art. Completely new to the area and industry, she looked for opportunities to learn and connect, and was soon attending local Canadian Institute of Mining , Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) events while working as a mechanical designer. As she became more familiar and comfortable in the mining space, she continued her education completing a second undergrad in commerce, eventually supporting her transition into Project Management. In the local community she moved from a participant to a volunteer with the CIM, eventually leading the Mining Week initiative. Through this role she extended her influence, raising awareness about the industry in the local community through multi-media events, including: a mining themed art exhibition, symposiums, and a murder mystery dinner. Beyond the CIM, Rachel has been a judge at the FIRST robotics competition in North Bay since 2014, representing the mining industry and promotion of STEM opportunities. Now as a Principal and the Business Center Operations Leader for the Canadian Mining, Minerals and Metals team at Stantec, Rachel has recently completed her MBA. Driven by her passion for growth and development, Rachel is continuously looking for opportunities to broaden her own learning and sharing that with others. She is committed to nurturing talent and elevating those around her, creating space for everyone to bring their full selves to the team, to lead with their strengths and find a fulfilling career in mining.
Rachel was nominated by Trang Tran-Valade and Kayla MacIntosh..

2023

Chafika Eddine

Chief Sustainability Officer, Orla Mining Ltd.
Trailblazer

Chafika’s compass is profoundly engaged towards corporate responsibility, business ethics and human rights. Her mixed background fuels her intention and efforts to contribute to a more inclusive and respectful world. Chafika accounts for over 30 public speaking events advocating for responsible and sustainable governance, sharing her 25 years of experience in the mining industry working at the executive level as well as in the field with Indigenous and remote communities. Her positive influence is also channeled by her academic investigations on the affirmative impact of gender diversity in systemic improvement and risk management. Chafika has lived and worked in South, Central, North America and Europe and has received multiple awards throughout her career, the most recent being the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining (WIM-100) recognizing her significant contribution to the visibility of gender inclusion and business ethics. She was named one of the most influential Latin in Canada in 2018; and in 2020, she was a panelist at the Ryerson University sharing her experience to celebrate People of Color’s success. Chafika is the Chief Sustainability Officer for Orla Mining, a Fellow Member of the Chartered Corporate Governance Institute of Canada, a board member of Solis Minerals and she was previously a sustainability and corporate governance consultant with mandates in countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. She has also worked at Hudbay Minerals, Bear Creek Mining, AngloGold, and Anglo American in roles primarily focused on governance and sustainability management. Through her career she has created several women-focused programs to open pathways for local suppliers empowering female participation. When she moved to Canada, she created a wine/travel club for women which in 2007, inspired by Chafika’s philanthropic initiatives, resulted in the Global Change for Children Foundation – an organization she co-founded with other women to fund programs in more than a dozen countries. Chafika has a master degree in Community Development from the University of Victoria, a law degree from Brazil and is completing a Doctoral program at the Royal Roads University.
Chafika was nominated by Stellamaris Tile.

Freda Campbell

Community Relations Director, Skeena Resources Limited
Indigenous Trailblazer

Freda Campbell embodies the future of the mining industry through her dedication to empowering the Indigenous workforce, innovation in Indigenous community engagement, and mentoring the next generation of Indigenous leaders. Freda has worked in the mining industry for both proponents and Indigenous Nations for over 25 years. She is a member of the Tahltan Nation, Crow Clan, and Dekama Family, and has lived in Tahltan Territory, in communities directly affected by mining for over 15 years. Freda’s commitment to the Tahltan Nation and her vision for the mining industry makes her a trailblazer. Freda currently resides in Dease Lake BC and is the Community Relations Director for Skeena Resources Limited.
Freda was nominated by Nalaine Morin.

Emma Plant

Geodesy and Geomatics student, University of New Brunswick
Indigenous Student Trailblazer

Emma Plant is in her final year of Geodesy and Geomatic Engineering at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. She is of Ojibwé heritage and is a part of the Pic Mobert first nations band. Throughout her undergrad she worked as a surveyor within the mining industry to monitor the movement of mines to ensure it was a safe working environment for everyone. When she is not focusing on her career and academics, Emma spends her free time playing sports. This has given her the opportunity to help grow and empower women in her community through volunteering at kid camps and coaching women’s leagues. After graduation she plans on working for Natural Resources Canada to gain experience with working with First Nation Communities which can later be transferred into the mining industry.
As the recipient of the Indigenous Student Trailblazer award, Emma was awarded a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Sprott.

Kathryn Cheng

Geology Specialist student, University of Toronto
Student Trailblazer

Kathryn Cheng is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto pursuing a Geology Specialist. As the Chair of the Women in Mining University of Toronto Student Chapter for the past two years, Kathryn has organized two events to promote the involvement of young women and visible minorities to join the geosciences industry. These events have reached audiences across Canada and internationally. She has also been the president University of Toronto Undergraduate Earth Sciences Association for two years, where she has organized a mentorship program to help facilitate students transitioning from university to the industry and implemented a diversity, equity, and inclusion executive position to help foster a more inclusive environment in earth sciences. Kathryn has a wealth of research experience, from conducting research at the Ontario Science Centre to earth science laboratories at the University of Toronto. Namely, Kathryn was an undergraduate research assistant in the Mineral Resources and Tectonics Laboratory and the Economic Geology Laboratory. Most recently, Kathryn joined the Trace Metals and Metal Isotope Laboratory as a research fellow and undergraduate researcher. Kathryn has also worked as a summer student geologist at Angus Gold Inc., where she conducted biogeochemical field sampling. Kathryn co-hosts a podcast, Earth News Interviews, where she has discussed issues including gender inequality, socioeconomic disparities, and the gender-wage gap in the geosciences. Kathryn aspires to attend graduate school and continue to mentor and encourage women to join the geosciences community. In her spare time, Kathryn enjoys hiking, listening to podcasts, and volunteering.
As the recipient of the Student Trailblazer award, Kathryn was awarded a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Dundee Precious Metals.

Rachel Pineault

Vice President Human Resources and Community Engagement, Treasury Metals
Rick Hutson Mentor

Ms. Pineault has over 25 years of progressive senior management experience in the mining industry. She is currently the Vice President of Human Resources and Community Engagement at Treasury Metals. Prior to joining Treasury, she was the Vice President of Human Resources at Battle North Gold. Previously, she was Director of Human Resources - Canadian Operations, for Kirkland Lake Gold, Vice President, Human Resources and Aboriginal Affairs at Detour Gold, and Head of Human Resources and Aboriginal Affairs for De Beers Canada - Victor Mine. Ms. Pineault holds a Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE) designation. Rachel is currently on the Advisory Board of Laurentian University’s International Goodman School of Mining. Ms. Pineault has proven success in developing and implementing human resources and community initiatives to drive organizational effectiveness. She is a sought-after speaker, a motivational team leader, and an industry expert with an enviable history of HR accomplishments on both corporate and operational levels. Rachel is dedicated about developing the next generation of passionate and driven industry leaders.
Rachel was nominated by Stephanie Labelle..

2022

Anne Lewis

Executive Director, Yukon Mining Alliance & President, CSR Management Inc.
Trailblazer

Anne Lewis is passionate about inclusion and innovation for the north and has 15 years’ experience in the minerals industry on local, national, and international projects. As Executive Director of Yukon Mining Alliance, she collaboratively developed the globally recognized Invest Yukon brand to connect investors with Yukon’s competitive advantages through innovative capital attraction initiatives. Building on this model, Anne developed the Invest Canada North PDAC project with leaders from Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut’s mineral industry and governments, to highlight and promote the competitive advantages of investing in jurisdictions founded on ESG principles, at the largest annual gathering of the minerals and investment community. She is President of CSR Management Inc, Founder and President of Yukon Women in Mining, and Co-Founder of the Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference, and in each role champions partnerships that drive equity, inclusion, and diversity, enriching economic and community opportunities in Canada’s north. On International Women’s Day this year, Anne co-founded and launched a new initiative - WE.ArcticImpact, which aims to educate, elevate, and empower women across the Arctic, fostering inclusive and diverse economies and enhancing women’s economic empowerment.
Anne was nominated by Kaeli Gattens.

Christy Smith

Vice-President Indigenous and Stakeholder Engagement, Falkirk Environmental
Indigenous Trailblazer

Christy is a member of K’ómoks First Nation, living in her traditional territory on Vancouver Island. Christy has authentically navigated both Indigenous and non-indigenous worlds while working in the resource sector for over 25 years. Her work is deeply rooted in reconciliation and decolonizing the approach to ways of doing business. Engaging and building good relationships are at the core of what Christy does as a changemaker, mentor, liaison, project manager, and engagement expert. She has facilitated workshops, presented at national mining conventions, instructed at universities, de-escalated complex situations, mentored Indigenous entrepreneurs, negotiated countless benefits agreements, advocated on the behalf First Nations’ governments and industry proponents, and built capacity within every organization of which she has been a part. Christy has a BA in Native Studies from the University of Alberta and an MBA from the University of Northern British Columbia, and is a wife and mother. Christy currently serves as a Partner and Vice President, Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations with Falkirk Environmental Consultants Ltd. of Vancouver and Vice President, Sustainability with TDG Gold Corp. She is currently serving as Vice Chair for the Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Committee for the Association for Mineral Exploration in BC. She most recently co-authored a book called Weaving Two Worlds: Economic Reconciliation between Indigenous Peoples and the Resource Sector.
Christy was nominated by Michael McPhie.

Nicole Julien

Geological Engineering Student, Queen's University
Indigenous Student Trailblazer

Nicole Julien is of Ojibwé and Mi’kmaq heritage and is currently studying Geological Engineering at Queen’s University. She was the Outreach Coordinator for the Queen’s chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, participating in STEM outreach in the Indigenous community in Kingston and at an elementary school in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. She strives to inspire women and nonbinary folks to consider a future career in the mining industry.
As the recipient of the Indigenous Student Trailblazer award, Nicole was awarded a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Sprott.

Maddison Konway

Materials Engineering & Management Student, McMaster University
Student Trailblazer

Maddison Konway is a fourth year Materials Engineering and Management student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Throughout her undergraduate career, she has been heavily involved in the McMaster Engineering research community as a research assistant and as the president of the McMaster Society for Engineering Research. As she pursues a career, she hopes to find a job that provides her the flexibility to work globally but she plans to settle in Canada eventually. Outside of work and academics, Maddison enjoys spending time with her friends and family, personal fitness, dancing, trying new recipes, listening to music, learning new things, and hiking. A few of her goals for the next few years include graduating, travelling and/or working abroad, giving back to her community, and continuing to encourage other young women. She would like to thank everyone who has supported her throughout the last 21 years – she wouldn’t be here without it!
As the recipient of the Student Trailblazer award, Maddison was awarded a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Dundee Precious Metals.

Lawrence Devon Smith

Principal Consultant, Lawrence, Devon, Smith & Associates
Rick Hutson Mentor

Lawrence Devon Smith is a consultant and educator in Mineral Project Evaluations. As a mining engineer with over 40 years experience in economic evaluations and project engineering, Larry's experience includes scoping studies, optimization studies, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, risk assessment, and due diligence work for banks and mining companies. He has published a number of papers on these topics and is a popular speaker at conferences. In addition to consulting, Larry is an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto and at the Schulich Mining MBA program at York University. He also teaches Mineral Economics for in-house training as well as workshops and courses through EduMine. These courses are for operators, evaluation professionals, management, finance personnel, lawyers, and First Nations organizations. Larry has held senior positions in mineral project evaluations with Barrick Gold, Vale, Inco, BHP-Billiton, and Rio Algom as well as SNC-Lavalin / Kilborn. He is the recipient of the CIM MES Robert Elver Award for Mineral Economics, is on the executive of the CIM Management and Economics Society (MES), is past Chair of the CIM Toronto Branch, a CIM Distinguished Lecturer, and a CIM Fellow.
Larry was nominated by Jessie Liu-Ernsting.

2021

Monica Moretto

Vice-President, Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion, Pan American Silver
Trailblazer

Monica Moretto is an experienced CSR and Inclusion and Diversity professional with more than 20 years’ experience in communications and social responsibility. Ms Moretto holds a BA in Communications from Argentina and has been employed by Pan American Silver Corp (“PAS”) for the past 13 years, specializing in stakeholder engagement and, recently, leading the Inclusion and Diversity Department. During her tenure with PAS, Monica strengthened and developed the Social Sustainability department, which has become a model for other agencies to follow. During the last 3 years, she has incorporated the Inclusion & Diversity portfolio into her role and is leading the ‘Building Respect Together’ program in all PAS operations. In addition, Monica regularly travels to remote mining communities throughout Latin and South America to develop relationships with workers and their families and to advocate for their concerns to local governments, industry leaders and international NGOs.
Monica has received the much-regarded Robert R. Hedley’s award in Sustainability from AME BC in 2018. Canada welcomed her and her son (and their late dog Mickey ) in 2003, and they became proud Canadian citizens in 2007. As a result of first-hand experience with local communities, Monica developed a passion for championing women’s rights – not only abroad but in corporate North America as well.

Leona Aglukkaq

Director of TMAC Resources, politician and government administrator
Indigenous Trailblazer

Leona Aglukkaq is a highly-experienced politician and government administrator from the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. She was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2008 and, in 2009, became the first Inuk in Canadian history to be appointed to Cabinet (as Minister of Health). In addition to her Federal government experience, Ms. Aglukkaq has broad public government exposure, including international diplomatic experience as a Chair of the Arctic Council (2012-2015), a leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic states, Arctic Indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, in particular on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic. Ms. Aglukkaq also has territorial government experience as both an elected official and a public official in the governments of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, and in Institutions of Public Government (as defined by the Nunavut Agreement), as a founding member of Nunavut Impact Review Board.

Taryn Cutler

Community Liaison and Office Manager, Seabridge Gold
Indigenous Student Trailblazer

Taryn Cutler is a third-year student of Bachelor of General Studies with a minor in management at Thompson Rivers University, while maintaining a full-time position with Seabridge Gold and running a heavy-duty mechanic business with her husband.
Ms Cutler joined the Seabridge Gold team in 2011, and has since become the Community Liaison and Office Manager. As a Community Liaison, she has had the opportunity to travel to many Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, participating regularly in career fairs, business expos, mining forums, trade shows, open houses, seminars, conferences, and other networking events, to build awareness around careers in mining. She also assisted with designing and implementing a scholarship program with Seabridge Gold that has been ongoing for the past six years. This program assists students from northwest British Columbia further their education and training and consequently develop a strong, educated workforce in the region.
Taryn is a proud member of the Tahltan Nation, and has utilized every opportunity to educate and inform Indigenous communities and to inspire other women to consider mining as a viable career option.

Lori Manoukian

Ph.D. Candidate, P.Geo, McGill University
Student Trailblazer

Lori Manoukian is a proud Canadian of Armenian origin who is passionate about sciences, languages and the outdoors. Lori holds a BSc Hons in Earth Sciences from Dalhousie University, a MSc in Environmental Geochemistry from Queen’s University and is a second year PhD student in Mining and Materials Engineering at McGill University. She is currently the VP Finance on the Mining and Materials Graduate Student Association and the graduate student representative for Materials engineering in the graduate committee. She was an NSERC CREATE recipient and student representative during her MSc. Throughout her graduate work, she has been a teaching assistant for multiple courses and has co-supervised students. In terms of research, the focus of her PhD is on nutrient recovery from water treatment processes using microorganisms, as well as material characterization. Her master’s thesis allowed for a comprehensive characterization of waters and co-existing minerals at gold mines El Indio, Lagunas Norte and Pierina. Furthermore, Lori has over 4 years of industry experience having worked as a geochemist at Golder Associates Ltd. and as an environmental metallurgist at AuTec Innovative Extractive Solutions. She is passionate about environmental management during the mining process, water treatment and water management.

Dr. Jeanne Paquette

Associate Professor, Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, McGill University
Rick Hutson Mentor

Born in Montreal (1961), raised in rural francophone Quebec, Jeanne made a leap to McGill University and into geological sciences, where she became fascinated by the history of life and mineralogy. After a M.Sc. in sedimentology, she pursued a Ph.D. at SUNY at Stony Brook, NY, to explore the effect on impurities and aqueous chemistry on the morphology of calcite crystals. Back to McGill University since 1991, her research interests have spanned environmental geochemistry, economic geology and biomineralogy. An Associate member of the Redpath Museum and of the McGill School of Environment, she teaches undergraduate and graduate students in geology, environmental sciences and mining engineering programs.

2020

Anne Thompson

Economic Geologist and Communicator
Trailblazer

Anne’s early career was spent as a field exploration geologist in Australia, the SW Pacific and western USA. Family life as a dual-career couple, however, demanded a rethink in an industry with few role models. Anne founded PetraScience Consultants in 1995, and the company focused on alteration studies of mineral deposits with application to exploration, mine development and remediation. A key service was the early application of field spectrometers to map mineralogy. Anne co-edited the Atlas of Alteration (1996), delivered workshops on spectral analysis globally and recently led the development of short courses on alteration mineralogy. Anne has supported inclusion and diversity throughout her career by informal mentoring, supporting a variety of organizations and helping develop strategy.

Alberta Malcolm

Indigenous Trailblazer

Alberta sits on the “Metis Women’s Council for Economic Security” for the GOA. Advising, making recommendations to the GOA on current, pertinent issues that are important to Indigenous women. Alberta recently retired after a 25 year career in the Mining and Oil industry from Syncrude Canada. As a Power Engineer and an advocate for women, Alberta’s role as an Industry Liaison was a platform to encourage women to seek non-traditional careers in Mining and Oil. Alberta and her husband Fred reside in Wandering River, they have 4 grown children. Established the International Women in Mining session at SME in 2016 to inspire diverse populations – especially women and young professionals – to create their future in the mining industry. In 2021 it will be renamed ‘International Diversity in Mining’.

Martha Manuel

Manager, Indigenous Relations, New Gold Inc.
Indigenous Student Trailblazer

Martha is proud to have roots with the Neskonlith Indian Band, which is one of the 17 communities within the Secwepemculecw (Shuswap territory). Her education includes Business Management, Public Administration, Critical Incident Management and is pursuing a Masters degree in Business Administration, Indigenous Business Leadership through Simon Fraser University (SFU). Much of what she’s learned about building effective community-industry relations was taught to her by her late father, Grand Chief George Manuel (founder of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples) and her mentor, the late John Jules of Tk’emlups te Secwepemc. She enjoys spending time on the land and believes that the water and mountains are the best medicine to help guide her work. She brings over 20 years of experience leading Indigenous related programs to new levels of success. Her team effort approach is crucial in developing communication strategies between community and industry. She considers personal development/wellness, education, traditional healing and land stewardship as essential in striving for sustainability with Indigenous communities. She began work as the First Nations Liaison in 2008 and has since transitioned to the Manager of Indigenous Relations. She is a member of the Mining Association of Canada, Aboriginal Affairs Committee (MAC AAC), the Industry Training Authority, Mining Sector Advisory (ITA MSA). And is a Board Member with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). Martha recently received the Michelle Pockey Leadership Award which is named in honor of the memory of a prominent lawyer and community activist, Michelle Pockey, who dedicated herself to making a positive impact with energy, mining, environmental and Indigenous issues, increasing the economic success and impact of women. As she continues her work with communities and New Gold, she continues to strive for the development of strategic initiatives that will create long term benefits for the communities.

Joy Carter

M.Sc. Candidate, G.I.T.
Student Trailblazer

Joy Carter is a fourth-year student specializing in Geology with a minor in Geographic Information Systems at the University of Toronto. As the current Chair of the Women in Mining Student Chapter and past Industry Liaison of the Undergraduate Earth Science Association, Joy is an active member of the Earth Science community at UofT. Joy has worked as a structural geology field assistant in the Grenville Province, and most recently was the Senior Geological Assistant with Wallbridge Mining Company Limited at the Fenelon Gold Project. Her interests include mineral exploration, field mapping and prospecting. She is also passionate about equity in mining and hopes to work closely with Indigenous communities throughout her career. Joy will be completing her final semester at the University of Otago in New Zealand and will be returning to UofT in September to pursue a Master’s degree in Economic Geology.

Celina Wan Chun Wah

Engineer - PMO, ArcelorMittal Mines and Infrastructure Canada
Rick Huston Mentor

Celina Wan Chun Wah was born in Toronto and grew up in Mauritius. She returned to Canada for her post-secondary studies, initially completing a B.Sc. in Biology and Mathematics at McGill University. During her first degree, she became interested in the mining industry and decided to pursue a career in mining. During her B.Eng., she did internships in the oil sands in Fort McMurray as well as in iron ore with ArcelorMittal Mining Canada, where she now works full time. As the recipient of four scholarships, she always encourages students to apply to every scholarship available. Her most rewarding university experience was an exchange semester at the University of Queensland in Australia and she highly encourages students to go on an exchange as it is an opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain in self-confidence and have a greater appreciation for cultural diversity abroad. She backpacked the East Coast of Australia and South East Asia before starting her full-time job. During her time off, she enjoys skydiving, scuba diving, and cooks delicious food. She is passionate about travelling and is always looking forward to her next adventure.

2019

Nean Allman

Principal, Allman & Associates Corporate Communications
Trailblazer

In 1960 when Norah Jean (“Nean”) Allman applied to study geology in her hometown at the University of Edinburgh, she was warned that as a woman her choice of jobs would be limited. Fifty years later, she could look back with considerable satisfaction on a lifetime of fulfilling employment. Her past experiences include research for the British Antarctic Survey and at the University of Toronto; writing for The Northern Miner newspaper, primarily as Features Editor; working in the corporate public and investor relations fields with Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting, Northgate Exploration and Corona Corporation; establishing her own corporate communications business to help mining companies tell their story; and managing the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremonies and representing the CMHF in the development of the CMHF Gallery at the Royal Ontario Museum. A 1969 article written by Nean in the Northern Miner about the few but increasing numbers of female geologists working in Canada’s mining industry would eventually lead to the founding of Women in Mining groups across Canada. She directed a 1976 study of the status of women geoscientists in Canada for the Geological Association of Canada, and served as its first female president in 1981-82. For six years she served on the federal energy, mines and resources minister’s National Industrial Advisory Committee to the Geological Survey of Canada. She continues to follow with great interest the progress of younger generations of women making their way in today’s mining industry.

Mary Caesar

Indigenous Trailblazer

Mary Caesar is a Kaska Dena elder, artist, writer, poet, mother, grandmother, cultural presenter and residential school survivor. Mary is a member of the Liard First Nation in Watson Lake, Yukon. Mary was born in Upper Liard, Yukon, on Oct 4, 1995. Her parents Alfred and Minnie Caesar taught her the traditional teachings and skills of the Kaska Dena. Mary attended Lower Post Residential School in Lower Post, BC, for four years, from 1961 to 1964. Her experience in Lower Post Res. School devastated her life, her family, her community and affected every aspect of her life. After she left Lower Post Residential School, she attended St. Anne's School in Watson Lake, Yukon, then on to Watson Lake Secondary. Mary has two sons, and numerous grandkids. In Sept. 1999, Mary left the north to study Fine Arts at the Malaspina College University, now Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, BC on Vancouver Island for 4 years. Mary obtained a 2 yr Fine Arts Diplome from Malaspina University. In Sept. 2005, Mary travelled to Switzerland with 10 other Yukon First Nation's artists to exhibit her art at NONAM Art Gallery in Zurich, Switzerland for a week. In May 2010, Mary travelled to Germany with 3 other artists from the Yukon for a 6-week art project in Germany. Then in March 2014, Mary travelled to Germany for her book launch and book tour with her publisher, for a 3-week book tour. Her book "My Healing Journey" was published by TraumFänger Verlag, a publishing company in Germany. Mary's art and her book have helped her on her healing journey. Although her experience in the residential school was devastating, Mary has learned to survive and thrive. Her upbringing and teachings from her parents and Kaska elders have instilled in her a pride for her Kaska culture and identity. Mary teaches art workshops in the Watson Lake schools, Adäka Cultural Festival in Whitehorse, Yukon and in the communities of Watson Lake and Ross River, Yukon. She's a cultural presenter and storyteller and shares the stories that her parents have passed on to her and also her stories of being survivor of the residential school system. Mary is currently learning to speak her Kaska language. Mary is involved in the Elders in Residence program with the Golden Predator Mining company in Kaska traditional land. Mary feels that the Kaska elders need to be pro-active in the mining industry and need to speak up for the future and well-being of our Kaska Nation.

Gabrielle Samek

Analyst, Global Markets Program at RBC Capital Markets
Student Trailblazer

Gabrielle grew up in Toronto, ON and studied Mining Engineering at Queen’s University. She undertook several professional internships during her undergraduate degree, including 4 months on the engineering team at Barrick’s Hemlo mine and 12 months on the short range planning team at Teck Resources’ Fording River mine. Gabrielle was also very involved in the Engineering Society at Queen’s and held several roles such as co-chair of the Queen’s Global Energy Conference, co-founder of the Queen’s Women in Engineering and Applied Science Conference, and key member of the organizing committee for Engineering Orientation Week. Gabrielle was also the President of the Queen’s Women in Mining chapter. Upon graduation in Spring 2021, she started a role in Capital Markets as an Analyst in RBC Capital Markets’ Global Markets Program. Her hobbies and interests include skiing, mountain biking, camping, and tennis.

Heather Jamieson

Professor, Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen’s University
Rick Hutson Mentor

Heather Jamieson is a Professor who holds appointments in both Environmental Studies and Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering at Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada. Her expertise is in environmental geochemistry, particularly the mineralogical controls on the mobility of metals and metalloids in mine waste. She has pioneered the application of automated mineralogy and synchrotron-based microanalysis to metal speciation in mine tailings, soils and sediments. Much of her research has focused on arsenic associated with gold mine waste in Yellowknife and Nova Scotia, and her recent focus is on the environmental mobility of critical metals. She has supervised more than 70 graduate students, approximately half of whom have been women. Dr. Jamieson was awarded the 2017 Peacock Medal from the Mineralogical Association of Canada which is given to a scientist who has made outstanding contributions to the mineral sciences in Canada. She was the 2018 Adrian Smith Lecturer at the University of Waterloo. In 2019, she was awarded the Rick Hutson Memorial Award for Mentorship from Women in Mining at the 2019 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Annual Meeting Much of her fieldwork is in the Canadian North but she has also conducted research in Nova Scotia, Chile, Peru, USA, Spain and Australia.

2018

Heather Bruce-Veitch

Director Communications & External Relations, Iron Ore Company of Canada
Trailblazer

A graduate of Memorial University, Heather began her career with IOC in 1980 as a French language instructor providing training to employees and their families. Following a three-year period, she left the business but returned in 1990 and has held various roles within the company in human resources, communications and public relations. Her vast experience and dedication allow her to maintain lasting relationships with various government and community partners located near IOC’s activities in both Labrador West and Sept. Iles . Heather has a strong set of personal values that align well with IOC’s, particularly with regards to respect, teamwork and integrity, and she is committed to creating an inclusive working environment for those around her. She received the Women in Mining Canada Trailblazer Award in recognition of her efforts to encourage the participation of women in the mining industry, most notably through mentorship. Past President of CIM NL, Heather is currently the Chair of Mining NL. Her greatest achievement has been defining success on her own terms which has resulted in her ability to have a dynamic rewarding career in the mining industry while also enjoying life to the fullest with her husband, her children and granddaughters. A sense of adventure led her down a path of her own but, a path doesn’t become well-worn unless you tend to it, pushing back branches and removing rocks until the ground, once unsteady, beckons others to explore. So, tend it she did.

Patricia 'Patti' Tirschmann

Retired, Former Vice President, Exploration, North American Nickel Inc.
Trailblazer

Patti Tirschmann is a specialist in magmatic nickel-copper sulphide deposits with over 29 years of exploration experience. Ms. Tirschmann obtained her BSc Hon and MSC degrees in Geological Sciences from the University of Manitoba. During her career, Patti held the position of Vice President, Exploration for both North American Nickel Inc. and Continental Nickel Limited and of Senior Geologist, International Nickel Sulphide Exploration with Falconbridge Limited/Xstrata plc. She developed, implemented and supervised exploration programs in the major Canadian nickel belts of Sudbury, Thompson and Raglan and has international experience on projects in Tanzania, Norway, Greenland, Alaska, Chile and Australia. In Tanzania, she established and led an exploration team that discovered new nickel sulphide zones and established NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimates at the Ntaka Hill Project. Throughout her career, Patti has supported the hiring, training and mentoring of young geologists and geology students and has acted as company liaison for geological research studies. More recently, she has enjoyed mentoring female geology students from the University of Manitoba.

“I firmly believe that key ingredients for a successful career are equal opportunity from employers, mentoring from supervisors and mutual respect of colleagues. With this platform, the individual will take care of the rest.”