May 4, 2022, Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty and Chief Clifford Daniels met with federal Minister LeBlanc, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. Topics of discussion included climate change, the water and wastewater system in Edzo, and the need for wireless coverage on the highway between Whatì, Behchokǫ̀, and Yellowknife, and extending the Tłı̨chǫ Highway to Gamètì and Wekweètì.

It was a productive meeting that established a continued commitment between Minister LeBlanc and the Tłı̨chǫ to work to find solutions to these and other issues to improve conditions for Tłı̨chǫ people.

Grand Chief stated:

“Open lines of communication are key to our ongoing relationship with our Treaty partner, Canada, as we move forward on the path of reconciliation. Minister LeBlanc has shown us that he is willing to listen and to work with us to solve problems that are critical to the wellbeing of Tłı̨chǫ people. There is much work to be done, and we will continue to work closely with Minister LeBlanc and other Ministers to ensure that we build a strong future for the Tłı̨chǫ.”

Chief Clifford stated:

“The failure of the water and wastewater system in Edzo created added stress for Tłı̨chǫ people in an already difficult time. We are pursuing every avenue to improve the condition of the water and wastewater system in Edzo, which has been an ongoing issue for far too long. Meeting with Minister LeBlanc was a positive step along that path, and we look forward to future opportunities to engage with him and other federal representatives to resolve this issue.”

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