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The Yellowknife Community Foundation is excited to release the results of its 2016 Over the Moon Valentine’s Gala held February 13 at the Explorer Hotel. “We are delighted to announce that over $58,000 was raised thanks to the generous contributions of our guests and sponsors,” said Foundation President Bronwyn Watters.

Diavik President and Chief Operating Officer Marc Cameron said, “Through this partnership, we are doing our part to help northerners complete their educational goals and build their careers.” Diavik also presented the Foundation with a cheque for $25,000 to add to the Diavik Community Scholarship Fund which provides for annual scholarships for students pursuing careers in mining or the trades.

Over 200 people dined, danced and were entertained by Edmonton Band – 5 on the Side. Emcee Mark Scholz kept the crowd entertained as he auctioned off spa weekends, Oilers hockey games tickets, a trip to Diavik Diamond Mine and other great items. Over 60 silent auction items were also contributed by local businesses and individuals.

Charles Dent, Gala Committee Chair said, “One of the highlights of the evening was the draw for the Diavik Diamond pendant, a stunning piece of jewelry valued at $15,000.” The pendant was won by lucky attendee Niels Konge.

“We greatly appreciate the support of our title sponsors – Diavik Diamond Mine and First Air; our Champion sponsors – Crossworks Manufacturing, Advanced Medical Solutions, Marvin and Janet Robinson, and the Explorer Hotel,” said Dent. “We also had great support from many other community-minded businesses and individuals who assist with the gala every year. Diavik has been with us right from the beginning, and has contributed to its success every year through its financial contributions, its partnerships and through its employees who donate their time by volunteering at the gala.”

For more information contact:

Yellowknife Community Foundation Charles Dent at 867-445-3368

Doug Ashbury
Adviser, Communications
Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. Tel: (867) 669-6500 ext. 6525 Email: doug.ashbury@riotinto.com

Yellowknife Community Foundation

In existence since 1993, the Yellowknife Community Foundation is the leading philanthropic organization in Yellowknife. A registered charity, the Foundation was formed in 1993 to provide residents (and former residents) with a means of supporting projects in our community for the enduring future. The Foundation is not singularly dedicated to any specific area of support. It embodies a simple concept – that people working together can make a difference. The Yellowknife Community Foundation administers 33 funds, 22 of which are scholarships. To date, nearly $750,000 in grants and scholarships have been awarded.

Diavik Diamond Mine

The Diavik Diamond Mine, located 300 km. northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is a Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. (60%) and Dominion Diamond Diavik Limited Partnership (40%) unincorporated joint venture. Both companies are located in Yellowknife, Canada. DDMI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto plc of London, England, and Dominion Diamond Diavik Limited Partnership is wholly owned by Dominion Diamond Corporation of Yellowknife.

Diavik Community Scholarship Fund

Established in 2013 by Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc., the Fund was established to assist individuals pursuing a career in mining or resource development. Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to a post-secondary course in the mining or resource development or a trade related field. Courses include but are not limited to Mine Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geology, Metallurgy, Environmental Science or a Mining related trade.

Diavik Diamond Pendant

Commissioned especially for the Yellowknife Community Foundation by Diavik Diamond Mines and Crossworks Manufacturing, the Diavik diamond pendant is a stunning double halo pendant set in 18K white gold with a 0.59 carat Diavik cushion cut diamond surrounded by Argyle pink diamonds and Diavik white diamonds. The pendant comes with an 18K white gold chain with six rose cut round diamonds (0.6 carats).

160227_DiavikPendant

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Impact Story - Charter Community of K'asho Got'ine - Emergency Management Training

Impact Story - Charter Community of K'asho Got'ine...

For municipalities and organizations impacted by wildfires or other emergencies, the Resilient Communities Fund is open to donations for long-term recovery and rebuilding initiatives.

The charter community of Fort Good Hope used a grant from this fund to conduct emergency management training in the aftermath of a wildfire.

On June 15th, 2024, the community was forced into evacuation by an extreme wildfire, “VQ001”. The unrelenting blaze displaced residents for three weeks and tragically took the life of helicopter pilot Tom Frith as he fought to protect their homes.

In the face of this terrible loss, the community of Fort Good Hope redoubled on their recovery efforts. Community leadership and essential workers completed emergency management training. They developed skills, plans, communications, and procedures not only for wildfires, but a host of possible crisis scenarios.

Honouring the memory of Tom Frith, Fort Good Hope now looks to the future with increased capacity and resolve.

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Establishment of the Karen Gochnauer Arts and Community Fund

Establishment of the Karen Gochnauer Arts...

The Yellowknife Community Foundation announces the creation of the Karen Gochnauer Arts and Community Fund.

Karen moved to Yellowknife in the early 1990s to work as a geologist. She had a deep love for dance, music, and community. Her love of dance extended to all forms, including Scottish Country, Modern, Jazz, Hip-hop, Ballet, and, for a break, just moving to the music at parties and festivals. Karen was an inspiration to the Yellowknife dance community and was always generous with her time and energy as a teacher and mentor. There was never a community event, whether dance, arts, or community-related, that Karen did not find time to attend with her infectious smile.

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Celebrating Community Resilience Conference

Celebrating Community Resilience Conference

On May 14 and 15, 2026, the Yellowknife Community Foundation, in partnership with United Way NWT, hosted a two-day conference and dinner to celebrate community resilience.

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That evening, the Foundation hosted a dinner. Representatives of various community organizations, independent community leaders, city councillors, and MLAs were invited to celebrate community resilience and strengthen their relationships.

As part of the dinner’s festivities, attendants nominated the Yellowknife Women’s Society to receive a $1000 donation in celebration of their work in the community.

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Beyond any tools and knowledge shared, that’s what we will cherish most about this conference: it was a gathering of kind-hearted and sharp-minded people striving to make their communities stronger.

Resilient Communities Fund

In our continued support of community resilience, the Yellowknife Community Foundation administers the aptly named Resilient Communities Fund. This grant stream supports initiatives in emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and rebuilding.

Consider donating to the fund: https://yellowknifecf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1083

If you represent a community government or organization and want to apply, reach out to information@ykcf.ca and tell us your idea.