Location
Canada
Red Lake and its partners celebrated the success of the Mikinaak MineExcell Program, an underground mining training program to train qualified local candidates to secure their modules for underground mining and find a rewarding career in the mining industry. In partnership with the Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord, Northern College, Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre, Red Lake Career and Employment Centre, and Byrnecut, the program ran from September to November 2023. The Indigenous term, Mikinaak (mih-kih-nahk) – a ‘Snapping Turtle’ is an important figure in local First Nations legends and significant to their spiritual and cultural beliefs.
Eight Red Lake and Lac Seul First Nation trainees were selected to undertake the 12-week program at our Red Lake Operations. Participants from Ontario were encouraged to apply, with preference given to applicants from the Lac Seul and Wabauskang First Nations and the local community. The program is divided into five fundamental parts and modules, including a ‘Moving On’ module, that aims to foster the culture of safety, excellence, accountability and respect – Evolution’s values, while advancing inclusion and diversity outcomes for First Nation peoples. Upon completion of the 12-week program, trainees received a Certificate from Northern College and an accreditation in Hard Rock Underground Mining issued by the Ministry.
Five Lac Seul First Nation and Red Lake community trainees completed the 12-week program, with four transitioning to employment at our Red Lake Operations.

