Latest news with #Tłı̨chǫ
CBC
06-08-2025
- CBC
N.W.T. canoe trip turns into emergency evacuation as paddlers flee wildfire
A canoe trip turned into an emergency evacuation last weekend for 42 Tłı̨chǫ paddlers in the N.W.T., after a wildfire came dangerously close to their campsite. The annual Trails of Our Ancestors journey brings together participants from across the Tłı̨chǫ region to connect with history and retrace traditional travel routes. The program experienced a record-breaking number of participants this year, with 28 canoes and over 160 paddlers departing from several communities. Eleven canoes with 66 paddlers departed from Wekweèti, on July 28. The same day, another group left from Gamètì with 42 paddlers in seven canoes. The rest of the paddlers departed from Whatì on August 4. The group from Gamètì was six days into their trip when they encountered a wildfire early Sunday morning. Gamètì Chief Doreen Arrowmaker, who was with the group, said they were already struggling with low water levels, which they anticipated would be a challenge, when they reached a particularly tough stretch with a gruelling portage that took 40 minutes one way, in sweltering heat. The group set up camp for the night later than expected on a traditional hilltop along the portage trail. After eating and socializing fireside, the campers started to settle into their beds at around midnight. Arrowmaker said the group's K'àowo (boss leader) made the decision to have a night watch. "Five or six guys volunteered to watch camp on shifts to monitor for wildlife," she said. "[There] were smaller kids travelling with us, so we felt it best to have night watchers." A few hours later, around 3 a.m., those on night watch noticed an orange glow on the horizon. "Some of them thought that the sun was rising already," Arrowmaker said. "And then when they look closely, they realized that it was a fire." The rest of the group was alerted and quickly packed what they could in the dark, using headlamps and flashlights. Arrowmaker said the fire was so close she could see flames and embers coming up around them. "We could hear the fire, you know how it makes that noise? I can't even describe the sound," she said. "It was a frightening experience ... and we were afraid we might get trapped." The group moved quickly down the hill to reach their boats. Arrowmaker said they then made their way to a nearby island before embarking on another difficult portage over land and upstream in thick smoke to reach a second island, where they waited for rescuers. It was then about 5 a.m. The group had to clear an area for the helicopters to land. Not long after, Great Slave Helicopters and Acasta HeliFlight arrived and began flying people out in groups, first the children, then the women and elders. Arrowmaker said paddlers were returned to Gamètì before visibility worsened and grounded flights. Participants who couldn't return home are now staying with family, friends, or in hotels in Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife. According to N.W.T. Fire, the wildfire that threatened the group was human-caused, and still burning out of control as of Wednesday. It was an estimated one hectare in size, and being monitored by fire officials. Helicopters arrived after the group evacuated camp 2 hours ago Staying calm and working together Despite the traumatic experience, Arrowmaker said she was proud of their K'àowo and the paddlers for remaining calm and working well together. "We all knew that human lives were more important than material things," she said. "We want to make sure that people are safe, and that's what we work hard for." She also praised the young people who were part of the group, saying they played a critical role in helping the elders. "They were the ones that really got into the riverways … and helped a lot of these older people," she said. "Not only with their boats, but also with their packs." Arrowmaker said many of the Gamètì paddlers still want to finish what they started. The group plans to recover the canoes they left behind and restart their journey near Russell Lake, aiming to reunite with the other paddling groups before arriving on the water in Behchokǫ̀ for the annual Tłı̨chǫ gathering, next week. Arrowmaker said this year's canoe journey will be remembered as one of the most challenging, and also frightening and traumatic for some participants. But she said challenges are part of the journey, and the paddlers got through it all by working together. "You know, we had a really good group," she said. "I think one of the things I'll ever take away from this trip is that it was fun being out in the land, and I really enjoyed being with the people."
Hamilton Spectator
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Indigenous governments finalize $375M land protection deal
Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories are at the centre of one of the world's largest land protection efforts, following the signing on Monday of a landmark $375 million agreement. The 'Our Land for the Future' grant will put about 30 per cent of the territory — or two per cent of the entire country, an area of 380,000 square kilometres — under Indigenous care. The grant brings together leaders from Tłı̨chǫ, Délı̨nę Got'ınę, and 19 other Indigenous governments, alongside federal and territorial representatives and philanthropic funders. The agreement's negotiations started in 2021 and were strengthened by a public pledge made last November. 'Today was really about taking that next step, and making all those commitments come into reality and working to commit the dollars, the public dollars, to the trust,' said Dahti Tsetso, CEO of Our Land for the Future Trust and a Tłı̨chǫ Dene member. 'It truly feels like we've really done it and we've done it together.' The trust is funded through a project finance for permanence model, which pools $300 million from the federal government with an additional $75 million from private and philanthropic partners. Out of the $375 million, $285 million will be spent over the next 10 years to support Indigenous Guardians, create new conserved areas, enable climate research and provide land and language programming, jobs and local research opportunities. The remaining $90 million will go into a fund to help cover future costs of running and managing these protected areas. Tsetso said the work ahead goes far beyond just numbers. 'What's really meaningful is the impact this is going to have on people, because it's going to bring resources into our communities and into the regions that create meaningful work for Indigenous guardians, for Indigenous leaders to apply an Indigenous worldview to the work,' she said. Federal officials hailed the agreement as a milestone for conservation and reconciliation. 'Indigenous-led stewardship helps communities, lands, and waters thrive, and NWT: Our Land for the Future is a powerful example of how Indigenous peoples are modelling this leadership for the world,' said Julie Dabrusin, minister of Environment and Climate Change in a press release. 'It reflects our shared commitment to reconciliation, protecting nature, fighting climate change, and building a more sustainable future for all Canadians.' The Northwest Territories is home to some of Canada's biggest wilderness areas, including forests, tundra and waterways like the Mackenzie River and Great Bear Lake. Communities such as Délı̨nę, which sits on the shore of Great Bear Lake, have wanted more control over taking care of their land, especially after decades where treaties and outside management boards shaped life without much community input. 'Governments and programs and services have been taking the Indigenous out of me,' said Danny Gaudet, leader of the Délı̨nę Got'ınę government. 'And this is a real significant milestone to start working towards bringing the Indigenous back and bring me back to the land.' He said new funding means his community can now focus on mapping and documenting their knowledge and record the impact of any future industry or development themselves. 'We know exactly what we're talking about. We know exactly what we could speak to them about and the information should belong to us,' he said. Gaudet said that the decline in traditional language, food and family time on the land are all deeply connected, and that the investment will allow families to spend more time out on their territory. 'I could actually work hard to bring families back to the land, and that would strengthen the language,' he said. 'We're losing a language because we're not out on the land.' Chief James Marlowe of the Łutsël K'é Dene First Nation said the funding will help support the nation's efforts in the Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area. 'This is a great opportunity for LKDFN and we are very happy to see the funding flowing now,' Marlowe said in a press release. Negotiations to reach the deal were long and complex, with legal teams, Elders, and leaders from every signatory meeting again and again, said Tsetso, who was at the center of these negotiations. She said appointed directors will begin setting final policies and getting dollars to communities as soon as possible. There is already interest in adding to the fund, with private donors considering another $25 million. Tsetso said the hope is that this is only the start of a new era. 'I know there's so many young people out there within our communities who are going to benefit from these opportunities. … That truly gives me so much hope to envision a future in 10 years' time where we have our own people out on the land, taking care of the land, tapping into generational knowledge, sharing that knowledge with the world.' Sonal Gupta / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
National Observer
22-07-2025
- Business
- National Observer
Indigenous governments finalize $375M land protection deal
Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories are at the centre of one of the world's largest land protection efforts, following the signing on Monday of a landmark $375 million agreement. The 'Our Land for the Future' grant will put about 30 per cent of the territory — or two per cent of the entire country, an area of 380,000 square kilometres — under Indigenous care. The grant brings together leaders from Tłı̨chǫ, Délı̨nę Got'ınę, and 19 other Indigenous governments, alongside federal and territorial representatives and philanthropic funders. The agreement's negotiations started in 2021 and were strengthened by a public pledge made last November. "Today was really about taking that next step, and making all those commitments come into reality and working to commit the dollars, the public dollars, to the trust,' said Dahti Tsetso, CEO of Our Land for the Future Trust and a Tłı̨chǫ Dene member. "It truly feels like we've really done it and we've done it together." The trust is funded through a project finance for permanence model, which pools $300 million from the federal government with an additional $75 million from private and philanthropic partners. :That truly gives me so much hope to envision a future in 10 years' time where we have our own people out on the land, taking care of the land, tapping into generational knowledge, sharing that knowledge with the world," said Dahti Tsetso. Out of the $375 million, $285 million will be spent over the next 10 years to support Indigenous Guardians, create new conserved areas, enable climate research and provide land and language programming, jobs and local research opportunities. The remaining $90 million will go into a fund to help cover future costs of running and managing these protected areas. Tsetso said the work ahead goes far beyond just numbers. 'What's really meaningful is the impact this is going to have on people, because it's going to bring resources into our communities and into the regions that create meaningful work for Indigenous guardians, for Indigenous leaders to apply an Indigenous worldview to the work,' she said. Federal officials hailed the agreement as a milestone for conservation and reconciliation. 'Indigenous-led stewardship helps communities, lands, and waters thrive, and NWT: Our Land for the Future is a powerful example of how Indigenous peoples are modelling this leadership for the world,' said Julie Dabrusin, minister of Environment and Climate Change in a press release. 'It reflects our shared commitment to reconciliation, protecting nature, fighting climate change, and building a more sustainable future for all Canadians.' The Northwest Territories is home to some of Canada's biggest wilderness areas, including forests, tundra and waterways like the Mackenzie River and Great Bear Lake. Communities such as Délı̨nę, which sits on the shore of Great Bear Lake, have wanted more control over taking care of their land, especially after decades where treaties and outside management boards shaped life without much community input. 'Governments and programs and services have been taking the Indigenous out of me,' said Danny Gaudet, leader of the Délı̨nę Got'ınę government. 'And this is a real significant milestone to start working towards bringing the Indigenous back and bring me back to the land.' He said new funding means his community can now focus on mapping and documenting their knowledge and record the impact of any future industry or development themselves. 'We know exactly what we're talking about. We know exactly what we could speak to them about and the information should belong to us,' he said. Gaudet said that the decline in traditional language, food and family time on the land are all deeply connected, and that the investment will allow families to spend more time out on their territory. "I could actually work hard to bring families back to the land, and that would strengthen the language," he said. 'We're losing a language because we're not out on the land.' Chief James Marlowe of the Łutsël K'é Dene First Nation said the funding will help support the nation's efforts in the Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area. 'This is a great opportunity for LKDFN and we are very happy to see the funding flowing now,' Marlowe said in a press release. Negotiations to reach the deal were long and complex, with legal teams, Elders, and leaders from every signatory meeting again and again, said Tsetso, who was at the center of these negotiations. She said appointed directors will begin setting final policies and getting dollars to communities as soon as possible. There is already interest in adding to the fund, with private donors considering another $25 million. Tsetso said the hope is that this is only the start of a new era. 'I know there's so many young people out there within our communities who are going to benefit from these opportunities. … That truly gives me so much hope to envision a future in 10 years' time where we have our own people out on the land, taking care of the land, tapping into generational knowledge, sharing that knowledge with the world.'
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tłı̨chǫ tree-planting project paused after death of helicopter pilot
A helicopter pilot who died Monday following a crash near Highway 3 had been part of a reforestation project, the Tłı̨chǫ government said in a news release Thursday. "This loss is felt deeply across our communities," Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty stated. On Monday afternoon, RCMP said the helicopter crashed about 1.5 kilometres from Highway 3, near Behchokǫ̀. The pilot died from his injuries. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating and has said it is working with Great Slave Helicopters — which the helicopter was registered to — to collect information. "We are proud of and grateful to the medical staff, tree planters, wildlife monitors, RCMP, and paramedics who responded swiftly and worked tirelessly in an effort to save the pilot's life," the Tłı̨chǫ government wrote. In its news release, the Tłı̨chǫ government said it would be pausing the reforestation project for "a period of reflection" and to prioritize its team's health and safety. After that, the government said, it "[hopes] to continue this meaningful work with both grief and gratitude in our hearts." The reforestation project aims to plant 12 million more trees on Tłı̨chǫ land.
CBC
12-06-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Weight of traditional knowledge discussed at public hearing for Diavik's water licence
A handful of Indigenous governments want to see more criteria enshrined in the conditions of Diavik diamond mine's new water licence, to determine that water will be safe for cultural uses. The Wek'èezhìi Land and Water Board (WLWB) is holding a public hearing about the company's application for a 10-year water licence renewal, at the cultural centre in Behchokǫ, N.W.T.,̀ this week. The Tłı̨chǫ government, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the Łutsel K'e Dene First Nation and the Deninu Kųę́ First Nation are all participating in the hearing, along with representatives of the federal and territorial governments and an environmental monitoring board. Violet Camsell-Blondin, who presented Wednesday morning on behalf of the Tłı̨chǫ government, told the hearing that both Western science and Indigenous traditional knowledge should be used to assess the water of Lac de Gras, the tundra lake in which Diavik operates, about 300 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife. "Cultural use criteria should not have a lower status or less clout in measuring successful closure and influencing the return of security deposits," she said. The WLWB has already required Diavik to incorporate traditional knowledge and cultural use criteria in its plans – but the Tłı̨chǫ, the Łutsel K'e Dene and the Yellowknives Dene want it to have the same weight as scientific monitoring and for it to be tied to the return of security deposits. What are cultural use criteria? An amendment to Diavik's current water licence required that cultural use criteria be developed for dumping processed kimberlite back into the open pits which will eventually, as part of closure, be filled with water and reconnected to Lac de Gras. A letter from the Tłı̨chǫ government to the board during that amendment process a few years ago describes cultural use criteria as the clarity, temperature, colour, smell and taste of the water, as well as whatever unnatural material might be in it. Diavik held workshops with Indigenous partners to establish that criteria and summarized in a report afterwards that healthy water would look clear, feel cold, smell clean, taste fresh and sound alive. "A lot of times science will say the water is good, you could drink it, but they won't drink it," said Patrick Simon, a Deninu Kųę́ First Nation councillor participating in the hearing, adding that scientists also use numbers that are hard to understand to communicate that water is safe. "If I told you, as an Indigenous person, the water is good, you can drink it, I will not only drink it but I'll show you the freshness of the water and the vibrancy, the clarity and even the feeling …. When we're around bad water it don't feel good. When we're around good healthy water, we feel alive, we feel connected. It's part of us." Simon said cultural use criteria will help Indigenous people decide whether they want to drink the water and harvest the animals in and around Lac de Gras once Diavik has closed. 'Flexibility should be maintained,' Diavik says A decision for the WLWB to make, once the hearing is over, is whether traditional knowledge and more cultural use criteria should be enshrined in the conditions of the licence – or whether those will be discussed further as part of the mine's closure plan. Diavik has expressed preference for the latter, stating in its presentation this week that it "strongly recommends that flexibility should be maintained" by discussing cultural use criteria through the final closure and reclamation plan and not establishing "fixed" licence conditions. Diavik is already in the process of creating a traditional knowledge monitoring program with its Indigenous partners that'll be submitted to the land and water board for approval. "Adding licence conditions might restrict the program that's in development. [The program] that really, at the end of the day, communities are developing for us," said Sean Sinclair, Diavik's manager of closure. "Potentially putting that in a box through licence conditions … we don't think it would necessarily be helpful and that it could be more flexibly managed through the closure plan." In a letter to the board ahead of the hearing, Diavik also said that there's uncertainty about how cultural use criteria would be evaluated for regulatory compliance. Diavik is trying to set itself apart from a history of abandoned mines in the N.W.T by closing responsibly. Its existing water licence expires at the end of the year, and it needs another one to wrap up production in March 2026, carry out closure, and start initial post-closure monitoring up until 2035. The hearing wraps up in Behchokǫ̀ on Wednesday.
