The Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ government have jointly agreed on the designated site for the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor. This 400-kilometre all-season road will link the Grays Bay Road and Port in Nunavut with the N.W.T. highway system. The initiative is part of the nation-building projects aimed at enhancing military presence and mineral exploration in Northern Canada. Additionally, it will create opportunities for spur roads connecting Wekweètì and Gamètì with the all-season road.
Led by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ government, the project is a collaboration with territorial and federal governments. Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty expressed excitement about showcasing the capability of Indigenous nations in leading and designing major projects in Canada.
The proposed corridor spans approximately 30 kilometers wide, traversing the Slave Geological Province. Leaders highlighted that this is just the initial phase of the project and not the finalized road. Yellowknives Dene First Nation Chief Ernest Betsina and Chief Fred Sangris emphasized the importance of minimizing impacts on the caribou population in the area, which serves as both a mineral exploration zone and caribou habitat.
The consensus reached by both nations after over a year of collaboration integrated community-led studies, traditional knowledge, and Western science. Despite differences, the agreement reflects a mutual understanding of the significance of the corridor. Premier R.J. Simpson affirmed the government of the Northwest Territories’ support for the consensus and commitment to collaborative efforts with the two nations.
Premier Simpson highlighted the significance of Indigenous-led development and government-to-government partnerships for advancing major projects. Once completed, the corridor will establish Canada’s first land-based connection to Nunavut’s Arctic coast. The Tłı̨chǫ government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation will engage their members and neighboring Indigenous communities to gather feedback on the proposed route to shape the project’s future path.