As the cabin filled with the scent of fish stew and bannock, Lily James and Jonas Sangris discussed the impact of natural diamonds on the region. Sangris shared his story as the chief of the Dene First Nation before the diamond discovery. He talked about the early 1990s, when economic instability loomed. The elders’ assurance, “Don’t worry, something will come up,’’ preceded the discovery of diamonds by merely a year. Since 1999, the economic landscape of the Northwest Territories has surged by 80%, credited to natural diamonds. Sangris was critical in negotiating terms with mining companies to ensure the community’s maximum benefit, prioritizing local employment, local procurement, royalties for residents, special taxes, and environmental safeguards. Today, diamond mining is the predominant contributor to the region’s GDP. The dwindling population has rebounded, and other industries like transportation, tourism, and real estate have emerged. Sangris exclaims with a smile that natural diamonds are “good for the people of the North…I hope we find more.” James returned along the ice road toward the Arctic Duchess, a historic ship entombed in ice, eager to explore Arctic wonders and the Northern Lights. With the mercury dipping close to -40, the
group sought refuge in a tent on the ice beside the ship when the famed Aurora Borealis began to streak across the sky. Beside Lynn, James watched in awe, listening as Lynn recounted ancient tales of the Northern Lights, stories of their origins, and significance to her people. The moment connected the journey’s intent: both the Northern Lights and natural diamonds inspire awe, signify beauty, and remind us of the earth’s capacity to create phenomena. A few hundred kilometers north of Yellowknife are the three main diamond mines, including Gahcho Kué, co-owned by De Beers Canada. To reach this remote marvel, James took a brief flight to an ice and gravel runway near the site. The Arctic Tundra, a stark yet mesmerizing wilderness, unfolds as trees become sparse. The mine facilities offer a self-contained community for employees working two-week shifts. Environmental monitors Mason Elwood and Jarrett Vornbrock invited James to see their efforts to safeguard this extraordinary environment. The journey included the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road — the ice road popularized by Ice Road Truckers . Funded by diamond companies, it’s the world’s longest ice road, supporting the mines’ yearly operations and providing invaluable access to local and indigenous communities.
68 POLACHECK’S JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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