Behchokǫ̀ , NT (May 5, 2025) – Tłı̨chǫ Government Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty, Chief Clifford Daniels, Chief Doreen Arrowmaker, Chief Adeline Football, and Chief Alfonz Nitsiza met with Premier R.J. Simpson, Deputy Premier Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Vince McKay, Minister Caitlin Cleveland, Minister Lucy Kuptana, Minister Lesa Semmler, and Minister Jay Macdonald on Tuesday, May 5, 2025 in Behchokǫ̀ , NT. Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong was also in attendance.

The meeting focused on areas of mutual interest, including:

• Continuing to collaborate on the management of the Bathurst and Bluenose-East barren-ground caribou herds, including sharing information and implementing the determinations and recommendations of the Wek’èezhìı Renewable Resources Board and communicating information to Tłı̨chǫ citizens;
• Working collaboratively to address the training and educational needs of Tłı̨chǫ citizens in each of the four Tłı̨chǫ Communities;
• Discussions around crime reduction and prevention as a key priority for the GNWT and a complex issue requiring community support and involvement. The GNWT will work with the RCMP and the Tłı̨chǫ Government to address policing priorities in Tłı̨chǫ communities. Efforts will continue to be undertaken to enhance policing responses to target and disrupt the availability of illicit drugs to ensure the safety of all NWT residents;
• Ensuring the Indigenous Employment Policy reflects the GNWT’s commitment to prioritizing the hiring and career advancement of Indigenous persons in the public service. The GNWT recognizes that addressing the challenges of Indigenous recruitment and retention within the public service requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving education, enhancing cultural competency, and implementing supportive policies and programs. The GNWT's Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Action Plan provides a foundation for creating a more inclusive and representative workforce;
• Working collaboratively to develop a whole-of-government approach to implementing the modern treaty-based relationship;
• Reaffirming the GNWT’s commitment to publicly supporting jobs, training, and reclamation work for the Tłı̨chǫ people.
• Working together to request that Canada’s defence and Arctic security strategies are in alignment with Tłı̨chǫ interests and the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement.
• Working together to help prevent the spread of measles and develop a Tłı̨chǫ language, cultural and community-based vaccine education campaign. 

At the meeting on May 5, 2025, the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Government of Northwest Territories renewed the Working Together: The Tłı̨chǫ Government / GNWT Intergovernmental MOU fostering collaboration and strengthening government relations. 

Both Governments continue to work in collaboration to address important issues impacting Tłı̨chǫ citizens.

Quick Facts

• The Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding recognizes the importance of the government-to-government relationship between the Tłı̨chǫ Government and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

• The agreement commits both governments to meet at least twice per year.

• The Working Together: Tłı̨chǫ Government/GNWT Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding was signed in June 2012 and was renewed three times to date. 

For more information, contact:

Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs,
Public Affairs and Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
[email protected] 

Tłı̨chǫ Government
Communication & Media Relations
[email protected]