The Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to begin a “coordinated and informed approach” for the potential Arctic Economic and Security Corridor. The proposed all-season road would connect the territory to a deep-sea port at Grays Bay in Nunavut.
“By coordinating early, both nations are putting ourselves in a stronger position to shape the future stages of this corridor, should this project move ahead,” said Chief Ernest Betsina of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation today at the signing and ceremony of the MOU.
Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty of the Tłı̨chǫ Government emphasized that Arctic infrastructure projects on treaty lands will be decided according to the terms of Indigenous governments.
The event took place at the Great Hall in the Legislative building, where the Yellowknives Dene Drummers and the Tłı̨chǫ Drummers performed prayer songs before the chiefs began speaking
“Two, very powerful nations coming together, working together for our future generations, it is our time and also about the community’s standing together – united. As the Tłı̨chǫ government, we always talk about a united front. And we see that coming together here with two nations, taking care of our people, our communities and also looking after each other, leading into economic development here and for the Northwest Territories, but it would have to be on our terms. The two Nations come together, working with the territorial government and also at the federal level. We’ve learn from past experiences with industries, coming into our backyard – and then making all the decisions. We’re going to flip that around, now, we’re going to lead the mega project, two nations coming together, it will be on our terms, going forward,” said Chief Lafferty.
Chief Betsina of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation said that today’s MOU provides a “possible way forward” for the nations and provides “greater clarity,” which the leader said is needed by the nations to be part of a planned and informed approach.
“We know that corridor has the potential to change transportation, economic activities in the North. If the project advances, it will support jobs, skill training and long-term contracts for our members and our businesses. These opportunities are worth exploring and we want to make sure we approach the work in an organized and informed way. We also know that we cannot move forward without a clear understanding of this project. Our members need information. Environment and technical work must be done. Traditional knowledge from our Elders must guide this approach. This MOU allows us to bring that process in a coordinated way so that we’re planning and sharing the ground for good information for the future. One of the YKDFN’s main priorities in the months ahead will be community engagement. Our members will be asked for their views on land use, access, environmental considerations and economic opportunities. These conversations will be ongoing, because any major project must reflect the voices of the people who live here,” said Chief Bestina.
“There are more important details to come forward, to work out together, two nations along with the GNWT and also in the interest of the federal government. It will be challenging discussions that we’re going to have. We are bringing together the wisdom of our Elders, the years of experience the knowledge that we have as Indigenous people, from a deep connection we have always had with the land, the wildlife, combining with the best technical, scientific and also traditional, economic knowledge. We recognise a huge potential for the Arctic economic security corridor. It is a mega project that’s coming forward. Especially for N.W.T.’s economy and Canada as a whole,” said Chief Lafferty.
“For the two Indigenous governments taking the lead together. We will make sure the project is right for our people, our citizens. That means the wellness of our people, the health of the land, our cultural ways of life are a central part of any decision we make of the project planning right from day one. We must involve the Elders. We must involve the youth as well. There’s going to be a lot of engagement at the community at the regional level. This is just a startup. We are taking the actions for future benefit,” added Chief Lafferty.
Chief Betsina said that the Yellowknives Dene are calling for the formation of a working group to help oversee the engagement and planning of what the potential infrastructure could look like.
Chief Betina explained that moving forward, it will be important to have as much information as possible for the community to understand the project clearly, to understand what decisions are involved and to keep community members informed and involved, including forecasting how the project would create “realistic and long-term opportunities.”
Chief Betsina also touched on how with the closure of area mines on the horizon, the corridor could be a project that creates a critical economic boost.
“We know our communities want responsible development. They want to see opportunities that support stable growth. They also want assurances that land, water and wildlife, including the caribou, to be safeguarded. This MOU gives us the ability to explore all of that properly,” said the Chief.
With the federal government taking an increased focus on investment into Arctic defence and economic infrastructure in the North, it is anticipated that Dene lands and ways of life will be impacted in some way. As Chief Betsina pointed out, this is why planning and engaging with leaders and community members as soon as possible is important. In Dene traditions, nations come to decisions step by step in a democratic process within and among communities, which takes time, co-ordination and planning.
“By coordinating early, both nations are putting ourselves in a stronger position to shape the future stages of this corridor, should this project move ahead at our terms. We have a lot of work ahead of us. It involves technical studies, government discussions, most importantly, direct engagements with our members, but starting together early is the right approach,” said Chief Betsina.
Both chiefs spoke of the agreement as being heavily based in Dene principles of collaboration and community engagement.
After the chiefs signed the agreement, the delegations took part in a Round Dance in the Great Hall with the Yellowknives Dene Drummers and the Tłı̨chǫ Drummers performing drum dance songs.
In response to the signing of the agreement, Premier R. J. Simpson and Minister Caroline Wawzonek, who were also in attendance, issued an announcement that the move is an example of Indigenous-led nation-building and the power of collaboration.
Premier Simpson said the MOU also emphasizes a message to Ottawa that major Northern projects require full partnership with Indigenous governments. Minister Wawzonek says that the GNWT is working “closely” with the Major Projects Office, and says that “momentum” for the arctic infrastructure projects is building through partnerships.
The First Nations Major Projects Coalition called the move a “steady, thoughtful approach” to guide the work ahead.
“This is an important step for the North. It creates a shared path for how this project will grow and how decisions will be made, keeping community needs, relationships, and responsibilities at the centre. The Yellowknives Dene First Nation, a member of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, and the Tłı̨chǫ Government are taking a steady, thoughtful approach to this work. They’ve set out how they will move forward together and how the benefits of this project will support their people and their land. It’s a strong example of First Nations guiding major development in a way that reflects who they are and what matters to their communities.”
