October 15, 2024, Behchokǫ̀ —The Tłı̨chǫ are heavily involved with diamond mines in the Northwest Territories; however, one of the mines is shutting down, resulting in significant economic change and impacting the employment of many Tłı̨chǫ citizens.

The Chiefs Executive Council (CEC) of the Tłı̨chǫ Government is seeking solutions and has been invited to Australia by a large mining company to explore partnership opportunities in critical minerals and green energy from October 15 to 25, 2024.

On this business trip, Tłı̨chǫ leadership will build relationships with strategic partners, visit critical minerals mines and infrastructure projects, and meet with Australian Indigenous groups involved in mining.

CEC and technical staff will explore strategies to develop Tłı̨chǫ mineral opportunities, learn about how Indigenous groups have built opportunities to benefit their citizens, review best practices in environmental oversight, clean energy solutions, and Indigenous business, training, and employment.

Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy prioritizes investments that will support economic growth and job creation, help address climate change, and advance reconciliation. The Tłı̨chǫ Nation has the minerals, the people, and the governance structures in place to take advantage of critical minerals opportunities in a way that is consistent with our responsibility to serve for all time as custodians of our lands, waters, and resources.

Several companies are interested in mineral exploration on Tłı̨chǫ Lands. The Tłı̨chǫ Wenek’e (Land Use Plan) identifies approximately 40% of Tłı̨chǫ lands as available for potential development and, under the right circumstances, has the flexibility to consider exceptions in other areas.

These and other ongoing CEC strategies focus on developing relationships and helping to build the next generation of Tłı̨chǫ economic development.