The Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ government have come to an agreement on the designated site for the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor. This 400-kilometre road will link the Grays Bay Road and Port in Nunavut with the N.W.T. highway system, forming part of strategic projects aimed at bolstering military presence and mineral exploration in Northern Canada. Additionally, the corridor presents the opportunity for connecting Wekweètì and Gamètì to the main road.
The initiative is a collaborative effort led by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ government, in conjunction with territorial and federal authorities. Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty expressed enthusiasm about showcasing Indigenous leadership in major project planning and execution.
Spanning approximately 30 kilometers wide, the proposed corridor traverses the Slave Geological Province. Leaders underscored that this corridor is merely a preliminary step in the development process. Chief Ernest Betsina and Chief Fred Sangris emphasized that the corridor proposal aims to minimize impacts on caribou habitat and migration routes.
The consensus was the result of over a year of collaboration, incorporating community-led research, traditional knowledge, and scientific insights. Although the agreement was reached, both nations acknowledged that the chosen corridor might not have been their individual first choice.
Premier R.J. Simpson affirmed the Northwest Territories government’s support for the consensus and commitment to collaborating with the two nations. The Premier highlighted the significance of Indigenous-led initiatives and government partnerships in driving progress and opportunities for the region.
Once operational, the corridor will establish Canada’s inaugural land-based connection to Nunavut’s Arctic coast. The Tłı̨chǫ government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation will engage their members, neighboring Indigenous groups, and local communities to gather feedback on the proposed route, informing the next steps in the project’s development.