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AREVA Northern Link April 2016 Through the eyes of Daniel Alphonse, Pipefitter Breanne Senik has been an environment technician at the McClean Lake operation for almost three years. Breanne started her career as a summer student at McArthur River during her fourth year practicum. She explains that she was lucky enough get a full time permanent position with AREVA afterwards. Breanne aspires to advance to the senior environment technician position, stating that, “It will be a year by year process of gradual advancement,” as she learns more within her job. About two years ago, Breanne’s father, Bob Senik, took an interest in her job. “He kept asking me about the details of camp life and what it was like to work up at McClean Lake,” says Breanne. Bob had just retired after a long career but didn’t want to become bored at home without a job. Not telling Breanne, Bob applied to a position within the training department at the mill. Less than two weeks later he got the job. “I was completely surprised, I had no idea he was actually applying for a position,” Breanne says. Breanne explains how she really enjoys getting to see her dad at site in the evenings, “It is great, in the summer we go out together fishing, walking, and hiking,” she says. Breanne mentions that it is probably a good thing they work in different departments. “I love my dad dearly, but it’s probably best we don’t spend 11 hours with each other every day,” she says with a smile. Breanne was born and raised in La Ronge and moved to Saskatoon last October. The move took her some time to get used to, but she stays connected to the North by working at McClean Lake. Breanne Senik, Environment Technician Daniel Alphonse, an apprentice pipefitter with Points Athabasca, has worked in several mills and mines in northern Saskatchewan over the years. He has been involved in projects at Key Lake, Cigar Lake, and McArthur River but only recently began working at the McClean Lake mill. Daniel, who has been with Points Athabasca for seven years, is currently at work on the new Tailings Neutralization project for which completion is expected by the end of June. We caught up with Daniel during his first shift at McClean Lake. “AREVA is a respectful company; I have many friends from the Athabasca Basin that enjoy working at McClean Lake and have built a career there.” In particular, Daniel explains that sites such as McClean Lake represent a “great opportunity for Athabasca Basin students.” He is a strong supporter of the training programs and scholarships that AREVA and other mining companies are implementing for students in the Athabasca Basin. “I’m seeing it more and more nowadays,” referring to opportunities such as the Mill Operator Training Program. Daniel’s nephew, who works at the Rabbit Lake mine, is among the many young people that have taken advantage of the training programs the industry provides. Daniel’s advice to those who are just entering the field is to “always keep an open mind, be willing to learn and experience new things, and remember that the most important thing is your team.” Daniel, who lives in Black Lake, has spent his entire life in the North. Six Rivers Fund Launch On April 11, Vincent Martin, President and CEO of AREVA Resources Canada, and other AREVA employees were proud to attend the official launch of the Six Rivers Fund in Buffalo Narrows, Saskatchewan. The launch followed several years of development between community leaders, AREVA, and Cameco. Six Rivers Fund, an independent non-profit, will support initiatives across the northern administration district (NAD) that focus on youth, education, sports, recreation, and health. The event began with traditional drumming followed by opening prayer by Elder Isidore Campbell and speeches by Victor Fern, Chair of the Six Rivers Fund, Tim Gitzel, and Vincent Martin. Six Rivers Fund board members, William Dumais and Angie Merasty were the celebration’s emcees, and youth from across northern Saskatchewan belonging to the Northern Spirit group provided entertainment. A huge thank you to all the community leaders, Elders, and youth who attended this event and to those who made it possible.
