First Graduates of B2Gold’s Inuit MERT Prep School: Twyla Miyok (far right) and Eddie Uqqarqluk (centre).
Roughly six months ago, B2Gold Nunavut launched a pioneering program—the Inuit MERT Prep School—designed to support Inuit employees in achieving Mine Emergency Response Team (MERT) certification through the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC). This one-of-a-kind initiative is the first program of its kind in Nunavut, and it’s already delivering powerful results.
Mine rescue certification is no small feat. The WSCC program requires candidates to master a rigorous combination of theory and practical skills drawn from the Western Canadian Mine Rescue Manual. Over the course of four demanding days, participants must demonstrate their ability in hands-on scenarios and pass a challenging written exam. For many Inuit employees, the complexity and technical requirements of this certification process have been a barrier—until now.
That’s where the MERT Prep School comes in. Developed by B2Gold’s Emergency Response Coordinators, Brad Hogg and Glenn McGuire, the program takes a unique and supportive approach to instruction—breaking down materials, offering culturally relevant guidance, and creating a learning environment that builds both competence and confidence.
And now, we’re thrilled to introduce our first two graduates of the program:
Twyla Miyok – Inuit Support, Community Relations
Eddie Uqqarqluk – Exploration Site Services
Congratulations to Twyla and Eddie, who earned their certifications through dedication, hard work, and sheer determination—mastering the practical skills and passing the knowledge exams required for dual MERT Certification in both Surface and Underground Rescue.
The final step? Their certifications are now being formally submitted to the Chief Inspector for official approval.
“Some blood, sweat, and tears were shed along the way,” reflects Darren Parry, B2Gold’s Back River Health and Safety Manager, “but Twyla and Eddie stuck with it. Their success is a milestone—not just for them, but for the program and our entire team.”
At B2Gold, we believe in creating opportunities that are inclusive, empowering, and transformative. The Inuit MERT Prep School is more than just a training program—it’s a bold step toward building capacity, advancing workplace safety, and celebrating Inuit talent within the mining sector.
We look forward to growing this initiative and welcoming many more graduates in the months and years to come.