Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 05/00) - When University of Toronto student Sunday Street was called to her department head's office last month, she braced herself for bad news.

The dean asked the fourth-year Lassonde Mineral Engineering student to sit down, then informed her that far from delivering bad news, she was chosen to receive a $10,000 scholarship, courtesy of Aber Resources.

"When they told me, I was holding back the tears I was so excited," said Street.

"I was overwhelmed and speechless."

Street, who has called Yellowknife home since 1995, was the first to receive the Aber Resources scholarship, which was set up to assist Northern students taking the Lassonde Mineral Engineering program at U of T. The Lassonde program was designed to bring all the disciplines relevant to mining under one roof, which is why Aber supports it.

Aber Resources representative Michael Ballantyne said they've put $250,000 into a scholarship endowment fund. He said next year, they plan to give three $25,000 scholarships to Northern students.

"Once people realize it's there, we hope it will act as an incentive for Northern high school students to start thinking about Northern mining as a career option," said Ballantyne.

"In 10 or 15 years, we feel there's no reason why Northern mines can't be totally run by Northerners. We consider this a step in that direction."

Aber owns 40 per cent of Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. Diavik is preparing to construct the multi-billion dollar diamond mine at Lac de Gras. Assisting Northerners to get their education, they feel, is a way to prepare them for the opportunity Diavik represents.

"The board of directors of Aber really wants to share the success of Aber's discovery with the people of the North," said Ballantyne.

"Remembering our roots and where we came from is very much the corporate philosophy of Aber Resources. Obviously, the North has a lot of young people and we want to provide them with hopes and dreams."

For Street, the money will alleviate some of the financial pressures that come with getting a university degree. She is now looking forward to graduating and continuing her life in the North.

"After this school year, I hope to gain permanent employment with one of the mining companies in Yellowknife," said Street.

"I think with all the diamond mines that are coming along, Yellowknife has some of the best employment opportunities -- not only in Canada but in North America as well."