18 December 2023
On December 18, Bouwa Whee Catering, a Det'on Cho Company providing camp management services, announced the successful extension of its agreement with Rio Tinto to provide services to Diavik Diamond Mine through the end of its mine life.
The renewed contract reflects the continuation of an agreement between Diavik and Bouwa Whee – a 100% Indigenous-owned Northern company – to provide catering, housekeeping, and janitorial services to the remote camp.
Mark Lewis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Det'on Cho, notes, "Det’on Cho Bouwa Whee Catering is excited to continue delivering exceptional service to Diavik Diamond Mine. As a Northern, Indigenous-owned company, this contract helps us fulfill our mandate to grow prosperity for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and provides a source of jobs for Northerners. I am particularly proud of the Bouwa Whee team, who works hard every day to provide hospitality services to the Diavik camp."
According to Matthew Breen, Diavik’s Chief Operating Officer, "Signing this contract extension with our valued Northern business partner Det'on Cho Corporation is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of Bouwa Whee Catering staff over many years and how important they are to our operation. We are pleased to be able to retain employment in the North, providing ongoing benefits to Northerners. I thank all Bouwa Whee staff personally for their hard work to keep our mine operating. It is no exaggeration to say that we could not operate without them."