Inaugural awards gala in Sudbury honours women who made an impact in mining

Women in mining honoured in Sudbury A gala event in Sudbury organized by the Sudbury chapter of Women in Mining Canada honoured trailblazers in the mining industry.

The Sudbury chapter of Women in Mining Canada recognized northern Ontario women this week who have made their mark in the mining industry.

The awards were handed out Thursday during the inaugural Mining for Diversity gala at the Steelworkers Hall on Brady Street, celebrating women working to advance the sector and promote diversity.

"There wasn't really a space for awards or accolades within the mining industry," said president Jennifer Mailloux.

"As a chapter, it’s one of our initiatives to help companies make themselves more attractive for females considering a career in mining. We’re facing labour shortages everywhere so it’s important to be making yourself more attractive to women looking to come into the industry."

Kimberly Dwyer, an underground supervisor at the Copper Cliff complex, was awarded the Trailblazer Award. She’s been working in the mining field for 22 years.

"The fact that my 85-year-old father is here -- he saw it from the beginning," Dwyer said.

"He thought I could do it from the beginning. He was just so proud of me from the beginning. And he never doubted me for a second."

She told the crowd of 250 it was difficult for her to accept the honour since she works alongside many deserving women.

"There have been many things done before me which allows me to come and do my job," Dwyer said.

Grateful for mentors

"I’m grateful for the people that came before me, that mentored me and allowed me to be unapologetically myself."

Jennifer Constant, Chief of Mattagami First Nation, was presented with the Indigenous Trailblazer Award. The honour is presented to an Indigenous woman who has made contributions and changes to the mining industry.

Constant has led a number of agreements with the mining industry and governments for the benefit of her community’s economic, spiritual and physical well-being.

When she started her leadership career 20 years ago, she said it was a very different relationship between Indigenous people and the mining industry.

"I’ve been working a very long time in advocating in the mining industry for First Nations perspectives, specifically to my own community, so it’s really great to get this kind of recognition," Constant said.

"Now I think more people and especially the industry, is much more aware of the territory that they develop projects on. So, they know that there needs to be some inclusivity, and they know that they need to do it in a really genuine capacity in order for a project to be successful."

The Mentorship Award was presented to engineer Genevieve Sulatycky, an environmental superintendent at IAMGOLD. That honour goes to women who support, encourage and advise other women in the field.

"When you’re mentoring somebody, you may not necessarily know that what you’re doing day-to-day is contributing to change and that the people you are mentoring see the positive influence that you’re having on their careers,” Sulatycky said.

"Mentorship is a relationship. It’s a two-way street."

There were also bursaries presented to five Student Trailblazers.

The leadership at Women in Mining Sudbury said mentorship is important, not just for the next generation coming into the sector, but throughout all stages of one’s career.

"When you’re coming into the industry or if you’ve been in for 15 years, you can always learn something from someone," Mailloux said.

"It’s so important to have someone to help you navigate your career, no matter what stage you’re in."