How has gold mining changed over the years? What environmental safeguards are in place today, what technology advancements have occurred over the last 70 years, and what can North Slave residents learn from mining experiences elsewhere in the North?
The City of Yellowknife invites residents of the North Slave to explore these questions at the 2026 Modern Gold Mining Workshop on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre.
Under the theme What Has Changed and What Can We Learn from Nunavut?, the full-day workshop will bring together experts and northern leaders to examine how gold mining has evolved, including advances in technology, environmental safeguards, regulatory oversight and the potential impacts of mining on communities.
“Progress is about learning from experience and making thoughtful decisions about what comes next,” said Mayor Melissa Syer. “Yellowknife’s complex history with gold mining means it is important our community can better understand what’s changed, what we've learned, and what questions we should be asking to maximize potential opportunities and responsibly mitigate any adverse effects.”
Det'on Cho Environmental will facilitate the workshop. Speakers will include Tayna MacIntosh, Chair of the MacKenzie Valley Land and Water Board, Joe Campbell and Allen Sexton, professional geologists and longstanding resource advisors to the Kivalliq Inuit Association; Mark Cliffe-Phillips, Executive Director of the Mackenzie Valley Review Board; Darrell Beaulieu, President and CEO of Denendeh Investments; Paul Gruner, CEO of Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation; and Mark Lewis, President and CEO of Det'on Cho Group, among other speakers.
Participants can also experience a virtual mine tour, examine gold ore samples and ask questions directly through an interactive “Ask a Geologist” activity.
Residents are welcome to attend the full workshop or drop in for the sessions that interest them most. Whether you're familiar with mining or simply curious to learn more, everyone is welcome. No prior knowledge or advance registration is required.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Location: Tree of Peace Friendship Centre, Yellowknife
- Time: The full-day workshop welcomes everyone beginning at 8:30 a.m
- Refreshments: Snacks and lunch will be provided
The full workshop program, including session times and speaker information, will be available soon.