Indigenous governments in the N.W.T. sign $375M deal to protect their land

Twenty-two Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories (NWT) have signed a landmark funding agreement, N.W.T.: Our Land for the Future, which will provide $375 million over the next decade for conservation and stewardship efforts. The agreement, marked by a ceremony in Behchokǫ̀, was signed by the federal government, the NWT government, and private donors. The federal government contributed $300 million, with private donations adding $75 million. The funds, expected to begin flowing in mid-2025, will support initiatives such as creating protected areas, guardian programs, eco-tourism, traditional economic activities, climate research, and cultural programs.

The initiative is one of the largest Indigenous-led conservation efforts globally, aiming to balance environmental preservation with economic development. Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty emphasized that the agreement respects the diverse needs of Indigenous communities while fostering land stewardship. Dehcho Grand Chief Herb Norwegian highlighted the powerful new relationship between Indigenous and federal governments, stressing the importance of protecting the land for future generations. The agreement is seen as a step toward reconciliation, with a focus on safeguarding biodiversity and northern ecosystems. Federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree praised the initiative as a model for the rest of Canada.