Tłı̨chǫ Government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation to Sign Memorandum of Understanding on the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor

Press Release

(Yellowknife, NT) The Tłı̨chǫ Government (TG) and Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, November 24, 2025, in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife to advance the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor (AESC) – a proposed all-season road linking the Northwest Territories to a deep-sea port at Grays Bay Nunavut. Media are invited to attend and witness the signing from 11AM to 12PM, with a photo opportunity and Q&A session available at 11:45AM.

This MoU is a milestone in Indigenous-led nation-building. It demonstrates the power of collaboration between two neighbouring Indigenous Nations. TG and YKDFN are more than governments working together – we are communities of friends, neighbours, and extended family. Together, we are focused on ensuring that our people, families, and communities benefit from the AESC and the opportunities it creates.

The MoU sets the principles that will guide TG and YKDFN in our joint leadership of the design, development and advancement of the AESC. The project will be guided by Indigenous values, environmental stewardship and fair access to economic opportunities. Together, we are building something that can bring strength, opportunity, and lasting benefits across our region. The North is an essential part of Canada’s nation-building initiatives, and we are ready to lead.

Key principles of the MoU:

• Collaboration, mutual respect, and shared responsibility are at the core to ensure the AESC meets community needs and protects traditional ways of life;
• Community engagement and internal policies of both Nations will guide all major decisions;
• The AESC will be advanced as a Project of National Interest under Canada’s Major Projects Office;
• A special-purpose vehicle involving Det’on Cho and Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation will coordinate work; and
• Working together with Canada and the GNWT, we can advance the AESC as a huge success for all of our governments.

Our communities have the knowledge, experience, and capacity to lead this project. As neighbours, friends, and family, we are working together to make sure our people prosper. This partnership with YKDFN is about our communities standing together, taking care of each other, and leading development in the North on our terms. We are ready to get to work and make this vision a reality, strengthening Canada’s Arctic Sovereignty, unlocking access to critical minerals and economic opportunities, and supporting healthy caribou herds
Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty, Tłı̨chǫ Government

This agreement reflects a shared vision for the North that is built on respect, cooperation and hope for future generations. The Arctic Economic and Security Corridor will open new opportunities for our people while protecting the lands that sustain us. Together with the Tłı̨chǫ, we are showing that Indigenous governments can lead major projects in a way that honours both tradition and progress.
Chief Ernest Betsina, Yellowknives Dene First Nation

Media Contacts:

Tłı̨chǫ Government
Communication & Media Relations
media@tlicho.ca

Yellowknives Dene First Nation
Media & Communications
ykdfnmedia@ykdene.com

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