Canada’s Northern Diamonds
...from rocks to riches
This book is the first of its kind to provide comprehensive, plain language information about Canada's new diamond industry.
In full colour, it comes complete with over 200 photos, hundreds of facts, graphs, maps and a timeline. The timeline begins 4.5 billion years ago, and runs throughout the book until present day. Its main focus is mining related development in the NWT, northern Canada and relevant events worldwide.
Each page contains 3 sections: 1. Timeline; 2. Main content area; 3. Facts, figures and colour photos (Featuring specific diamond projects, mining companies, math and science connections.)
The main content follows northern diamonds from a geological history through various stages of the ‘diamond pipeline’ until they are market ready: Exploration, Discovery, Licenses and Permits, Mine Construction, Production, Processing and Recovery, Sorting and Valuation, Marketing, Cutting and Polishing, Branding and Verification.
The book goes on to identify other Diamond Mines and Discoveries (in Canada and around the World), Business Opportunities and Jobs in the diamond industry and includes a section on the Northwest Territories (Interesting facts and NWT Symbols). A Glossary, Index and Reference List are also provided. The book ends with corporate messages from three major mining companies, and the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines.
This product will be of interest to students, teachers, tourists and the general public.
Due to the nature of its unique layout and design, the book provides information at a broad range of reading levels in an easy-read format. Through facts, figures, maps and photos, information is accessible to reading levels as low as Grade 3. The main sections, which describe each stage, have an average reading level of approximately Grade 5/6.
- 2004 Science in Society Book Award Winner: Youth Category; Canadian Science Writers’ Association
- Written by Gayla Meredith, Award Winning Northern Educator
- Paperback; coil bound with spine on wrap around back cover
- Landscape format: finished size: 8.5 x 11; flaps extend to 8.5 x 14
- 46 pages; NWT & Nunavut map on back inside cover extension
- Retail Price: $22.95
- ISBN 0-9735581-0-5
- Publication Date: June 10, 2004
Northern Ink's project partners include the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines, BHP Billiton Diamonds, Diavik Diamond Mines, De Beers Canada, GNWT Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, GNWT RWED Diamonds Project, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, who offered financial support as well as support with content, photos and editing.
As a result of the cooperation received from both industry and government, Canadian schools and the general public now have access (at a significantly reduced cost) to comprehensive information about Canada’s newest industry.
In addition, sales proceeds will see $5000 contributed to the NWT Literacy Council to develop a program for NWT schools, which encourages classroom story writing and bookmaking.
News Release
YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, September 27, 2005
Northern Ink Limited, together with the NWT Literacy Council would like to announce the launch of the WRITE ON! Bursary program developed to encourage whole-class story writing and book making by students across the Northwest Territories.
Inspired by the work of her Grade 3 students, Gayla Meredith sought a means to help other teachers encourage and motivate their students to create and illustrate children's books. "As students create northern stories in an authentic learning environment, not only are writing skills developed, they also develop increased confidence in themselves as learners," says Meredith.
Through her company, Northern Ink Limited, Meredith donated $5,000 to the NWT Literacy Council to help make her idea a reality. Working in conjunction with Cate Sills and Lisa Campbell of the Literacy Council the WRITE ON! Bursary program and a How-To Kit titled "Writing and Publishing Children's Books" were developed.
As part of NWT Literacy Week celebrations, information packages have been sent to schools and literacy organizations across the Northwest Territories. Recipients will receive details about the WRITE ON!ª Bursary program together with the new "How-To Kit", and a copy of Diamond Fever, a children's book written and illustrated by Ms.
Meredith's Grade 3 Students from Range Lake North School in 2002.
Northern Ink recognizes its Canada's Northern Diamonds book project supporters for their help making its award-winning publication available to the public. Sales proceeds from this information book written by Gayla Meredith are responsible for funding of the bursary program.
The following businesses and organizations are to be commended for their support of MeredithÕs book and other literacy projects across the Northwest Territories: NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines; BHP Billiton Diamonds; Diavik Diamond Mines; De Beers Canada; GNWT Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development; GNWT RWED Diamonds Project, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
Diamond Fever student authors will be recognized for their achievements during NWT Literacy Week with the presentation of T-shirts, compliments of the NWT Literacy Council and Yellowknife Education District No. 1.
Information on the WRITE ON! Bursary and How-To Kit is available @ www.nwt.literacy.ca. Further details on the Diamond Fever book project or Canada's Northern Diamonds Éfrom rocks to riches can be found @ www.northerninkltd.nt.ca
For more information, contact:
Gayla Meredith, Northern Ink Limited
867-873-9139 or 867-444-3116
Email: northern_ink@theedge.ca
OR
NWT Literacy Council
Cate Sills or Lisa Campbell
Telephone: (867) 873-9262
Toll Free in NWT: 1-866-599-6758
Email: nwtliteracy@nwtliteracy.ca
YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, May 5, 2005
Canada’s Northern Diamonds... from rocks to riches, written by Yellowknife teacher Gayla Meredith, has been named Winner of the Youth Book Category in the Canadian Science Writers’ Association 2004 Science in Society Book Awards competition.
Awards in the amount of $1,000 are offered in each of three categories, Children, Youth and General Public, to honour outstanding contributions to science writing. Meredith’s book will be recognized during the CSWA awards banquet on June 18 at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre in Jasper, AB.
In March, the book also placed ‘1st Runner Up’ in the Legacy category for the Writers Notes Book Awards competition hosted by Hopewell Publications of Titusville, New Jersey. This program identifies achievements in eleven categories of self-published work.
This one-of-a-kind book introduces readers to the Canadian Diamond Industry through hundreds of colour photos facts, figures, graphs and maps.
Meredith received support from many experts in industry and government who helped her project succeed both by providing financial support and assistance getting information. Project partners included BHP Billiton, Diavik Diamond Mines, De Beers Canada, NWT Chamber of Mines, Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Renewable Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, RWED Diamonds Project, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
The book is a 100% northern product; created, produced and published in Yellowknife. Janet Pacey completed the book’s graphic design, Judy Langford edited the text, and last June, Artisan Press printed 5,000 copies.
Meredith credits the book’s content and quality to teamwork and true ‘Northern Spirit’. “People were very helpful and supportive. Their contributions helped to create a book which offers a great deal of information to schools, homes, offices and anyone interested in learning about the industry.”
To date, $2,500 of sales proceeds has been donated to the NWT Literacy Council. This figure will reach $5,000 in June. Meredith is working with the Council to develop a program for NWT schools to encourage classroom story writing and bookmaking.
This award-winning book is available at the Yellowknife Book Cellar and from various local retailers, or directly from the publisher, Northern Ink Limited (www.northerninkltd.nt.ca).
For more information, contact:
Gayla Meredith
Northern Ink Limited
867-873-9139 or 867-444-3116
Email: northern_ink@theedge.ca
Reader Comments
“Canada’s Northern Diamonds – from rocks to riches, guides you through the Northwest Territories’ brilliant journey into the world of diamonds. Whether you are young or old, an elementary student or a doctor, this book outlines the ABCs of diamonds: from diamond mining and construction, to marketing and diamond cutting and polishing.” Yellowknife Mayor Gordon Van Tighem
"As a committee member on the National Diamond Strategy Committee I was pleased to receive a sample copy of your new book on Canada's diamond industry. I have had a connection with the diamond exploration sector since the mid-1970s and I continue to maintain that interest...I am particularly pleased to see the basic concepts and theories of diamond formation so clearly presented. ...I also appreciate the effort you have expended to ensure quality photographs to illustrate various ideas and concepts...This book succeeds in clearly presenting the exploration and mining aspects of the diamond industry, but even more importantly shows the relationship of this industry to the well being of individuals in many remote communities and urban centres, whether they are "miners" or working in other sectors which support mining. ..." Brian Grant, Manager, Geoscience Initiatives, Geological Survey and Development Branch, BC
“.... This book will be a useful educational resource, not only about diamonds and diamond mining, but also about Northern Canada. I believe it will be helpful, for students of various ages and grade levels in the Northwest Territories, and for people across Canada. ..." Honourable Charles Dent, Government of the Northwest Territories Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
"...Gayla Meredith's magnificent book 'Canada's Northern Diamonds ...from rocks to riches' captures details of the birth of this new industry and follows its development to present day. Readers of all ages will be intrigued with the information... The book contains detailed information presented in a reader-friendly way, making it an ideal teaching aid for classrooms throughout Canada..." Honourable Brendan Bell, Government of the Northwest Territories Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development
"...The format of 'Canada's Northern Diamonds ...from rocks to riches' is very attractive and the information it contains is both authoritative and interesting..." Deborah Bruser, Manager, Yellowknife Public Library
"Canada's Northern Diamonds ...from rocks to riches by Gayla Meredith -No reference library should be without this new, very informative book about Canada’s Best Kept Secret."Editor, Canadian Mining News http://www.canadianminingnews.com
"I am so glad you wrote your book as it helped my daughter with her homework." Lindy Hogg, Gainsborough, SK
"...Your publication successfully profiles the geology of diamonds and the exciting employment prospects that await our youth in the diamond mining industry...” Hon. Rick Bartolucci, MPP Sudbury, Minister, Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
“There are diamonds in Canada! Who knew? As mining companies cull the Northern Territory for precious stones, Meredith uses the opportunity to explain everything you ever wanted to know about the creation, mining, processing, and finishing of Canada’s valuable gems. It’s not just about the stones either. This eye catching, graphic-filled book covers the facts, careers, geography, and history tangent to the industry and mining locations. Do you know the 4 C’s of diamond characteristics? What is a Kimberlite Pipe? Canada’s Northern Diamonds will teach you. This title is suitable for sophisticated school-age children and adults.” Review by: Writers Notes Magazine, Published by Hopewell Publications, Titusville, NJ, http://www.WritersNotes.com
“Author and award winning northern educator, Gayla Meredith, has harnessed the excitement of the nation’s most recent natural resource in her fascinating new book Canada’s Northern Diamonds… from rocks to riches. In it, she investigates the formation of diamonds deep inside the mantle and illustrates how diamond hunters explore for this valuable treasure. Using state of the art tools and methods for exploration and extraction, students will follow Canadian diamonds though each stage in the mining process and learn how they are valued, marketed, cut, polished and sold. Complete with a section to showcase careers along the way, this book is an excellent addition to your Grade 7 Mining Matters II –The Earth’s Crust resource.” PDAC Mining Matters News, March 2005 - Issue 5, Published by Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Mining Matters; http://www.pdac.ca/miningmatters/teachers/news_0503.htm
“Here is another little book about Canadian diamonds, this one for school children. Part geology, part geography, part history, part current events, the book describes the diamond industry in general, but takes a detailed look at the evolution of the Canadian diamond scene in recent years. This publication must be an excellent resource for Canadian teachers, especially those in diamond mining areas, and it could serve as inspiration for similar efforts in other countries. A book like this would undoubtedly be extremely well received by teachers and students in a dozen African diamond mining countries.” Other Facets, Issue 17, May 2005, http://www.pacweb.org
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Book publishing is the highlight of student learning in her classroom. Books are published across the curriculum through whole class activities, small group collaboration, and individual efforts.
Literally hundreds of books, on a variety of topics and in various genres, are written, illustrated and published by her students each year. On September 22, 2003, her book making program was included in a MacLean's magazine feature on education.
Gayla has provided workshops to educators based on her resource, Writing Across the Curriculum, and her unique classroom book projects. Recognition for accomplishments in education include a 2001-2002 Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence, and a finalist position in the 2003 Canada Post Literacy Awards.
In addition to classroom teaching, Gayla is an active member of the NWT Teachers' Association, devoted to enhancing positive communication among Home, School and Community. She is chairperson of the NWTTA PR Committee and has volunteered on numerous committees over the past years in her efforts to improve communication in education. To this end, Gayla writes for the NWTTA to provide newspaper articles, pamphlets and resources. She has also developed public relations initiatives for the association, and continues to offer 'Enhancing Positive Communication' workshops to classroom teachers.
Gayla and her family live in Yellowknife, NWT, a place she often refers to as "Canada's best kept secret".
