VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(CCNMatthews - Feb. 16, 2007) - True North Gems Inc. (TSX VENTURE:TGX) ("True North") is pleased to announce the appointment of John Ryder, P.Geo., to the Board of Directors. Mr. Ryder has been engaged in mineral exploration worldwide for over 30 years. From 1975 to 1986 he conducted exploration programs for RTZ Corporation (now Rio Tinto) as a senior geologist, in Ireland, Scotland, Germany and Saudi Arabia. He was the co-discover of the Drumleery lead-zinc deposit in Ireland and was directly involved in the discovery of the 300 million+ tonne al Jalamid phosphate deposit in Saudi Arabia. Between 1991 and 2001, he worked as a private geological consultant in the fields of gold, platinum and diamond exploration in North, South and Central America. During this time he discovered the first diamond host rocks in a subduction zone setting in California and also the first diamonds in the James Bay region in Quebec.
Mr. Ryder became President and CEO of Dianor Resources Inc. in July 2002, which is actively exploring for diamonds in Quebec and Ontario. True North welcomes Mr. Ryder's extensive diamond experience and exploration expertise.
Mr. Ryder replaces Dr. Roger Morton on the Board of Directors. Dr. Morton is leaving to focus further on other interests but will remain as a consultant to True North. True North extends its thanks Dr. Morton for his input over the past several years.
True North also announces that its Board of Directors has eliminated the position of Chief Operating Officer, a position occupied by William Rohtert. The duties of that position will be assumed by management, with Greg Davison, VP Exploration, assuming the role of project manager for True North's Greenland ruby program, effective immediately. Mr. Rohtert has been invited to remain as a consultant to True North.
True North Gems Inc. is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and is engaged in the exploration and development of Greenland and North American coloured gemstone prospects.
True North relies on litigation protection for the use of "forward looking" statements.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
True North Gems Inc.
Greg Fekete
President
(604) 687-8055 or 1-800-399-8055
Website: www.truenorthgems.com
