The Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ government have jointly agreed on the location for the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor. This proposed 400-kilometre all-season road will link the Grays Bay Road and Port in Nunavut with the N.W.T. highway system, part of the larger initiative to enhance military presence and mineral exploration in Northern Canada. The Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ government are leading the project in collaboration with territorial and federal authorities.
Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty expressed excitement about demonstrating Indigenous nations’ capability to spearhead and develop significant projects like this corridor. The planned corridor, approximately 30-kilometres wide, will traverse the Slave Geological Province, marking the initial phase in the development process.
Notably, the corridor design intends to minimize impacts on caribou habitat and migration routes, highlighting the importance of environmental preservation. The agreement, reached after extensive community-led studies and incorporating traditional knowledge and Western science, signifies a milestone in Indigenous-led development and government-to-government partnerships.
Premier R.J. Simpson affirmed the Northwest Territories government’s support for the consensus reached by the two nations and emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts for future projects. Once operational, the corridor will establish Canada’s first land-based connection to Nunavut’s Arctic coast.
In the upcoming stages, the Tłı̨chǫ government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation will seek input from their members, neighboring Indigenous groups, and local communities to gather feedback on the proposed route. This inclusive approach aims to shape the corridor’s development based on community insights and preferences.