Winter Bailey

Winter Bailey (Standing Black Bear Woman, Bear Clan) is a proud Dene and Cree woman who brings strategic vision, deep cultural grounding, and nearly two decades of operational leadership to the global mining sector. Born and raised in Akaitcho Territory in the Northwest Territories, Winter is a member of the Deninu Kųę́ First Nation (Treaty 8) with patriarchal roots in the Peguis First Nation (Treaty 1). Today, she is a daughter, wife, and mother living in Treaty 7 Territory in Alberta. As a second-generation miner, Winter’s life and work are anchored in a profound respect for the lands, cultures, and host communities she partners with.

A groundbreaking leader, Winter’s 18-year path in mining is marked by historic milestones: she became Diavik’s first Indigenous female Communities & Communications Manager and recently concluded a Senior Manager of Communities & Social Performance position for Rio Tinto. Recognized as Women In Mining Canada’s 2026 Indigenous Trailblazer, her work centers on aligning corporate integrity with community heart. She is a trusted advisor who has implemented multiple long-term impact benefit agreements, shared her broad technical expertise in mining across four continents, and courageously championed numerous Indigenous cultural initiatives within corporate structures.

Winter’s impact is defined by her collaborative spirit and dedication to community. A recipient of the Northwest Territories Premier’s Award for Collaboration and a Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference alum, she has consistently used her platform to elevate others, volunteering on the boards of Women in Mining Canada (elected April 2026) and the charitable organization, Global Indigenous Development Trust and earning her First Nations & Indigenous Director designation.

Winter seamlessly integrates continuous improvement into all aspects of her life, as a traditional Dene artist, a dedicated mentor, or a fierce competitor on the green as a repeat Yellowknife Golf Club Women’s Champion.

Grounded in her identity and driven by a lifelong passion for learning, Winter is focused on bridging cultures, mentoring the next generation, and driving authentic reconciliation from the ground up.