Tłı̨chǫ Government supports a public inquiry into the 2023 wildfire season.

This review must be fully collaborative and include Indigenous Government participation in all elements of the process including the selection of panel members, development of the terms of reference, sharing of information and reporting back to Indigenous Governments.

The 2023 wildfire season created a huge crisis for Tłı̨chǫ Citizens in all four Tłı̨chǫ communities and in Yellowknife. The crisis was magnified by a lack of coordination between the GNWT and Indigenous Governments.

Tłı̨chǫ Government has previously shared this position with the NWT Council of Leaders and the members of the 20th Legislative Assembly that there is a need for a full independent review of the wildfire response, evacuation process and operations of the Emergency Management Organization. We believe that only a fully independent, inclusive and transparent process can identify all the necessary issues and make recommendations for change.

Tłı̨chǫ Government supports the motion of MLA Testart, seconded by MLA Yakeleya with the amendment to include Indigenous Government representation as full partners in the review process.