The Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ government have jointly agreed on the location for the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor. This 400-kilometre all-season road will link the Grays Bay Road and Port in Nunavut with the N.W.T. highway system as part of nation-building initiatives to enhance military presence and mineral exploration in Northern Canada. Additionally, the project will enable the construction of spur roads connecting Wekweètì and Gamètì to the main road.
Led by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ government in collaboration with territorial and federal authorities, the project signifies a significant milestone in Indigenous-led major project development, as highlighted by Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty.
The proposed corridor, approximately 30 kilometers wide, traverses the Slave Geological Province and is emphasized as an initial conceptual step by both Chief Ernest Betsina and Chief Fred Sangris. Acknowledging the significance of the area as both potential mineral exploration grounds and caribou habitat, the nations have underscored their commitment to minimizing impacts on the caribou population through the chosen corridor.
The consensus on the corridor, resulting from over a year of collaboration, integrates community-based research, traditional knowledge, and scientific findings. While the agreement reflects a shared vision, it is acknowledged that the final route may not have been the individual preference of either nation.
Premier R.J. Simpson expressed the Northwest Territories government’s support for the consensus, highlighting the importance of Indigenous-led partnerships in driving development opportunities. Upon completion, the corridor will establish Canada’s primary land connection to Nunavut’s Arctic coast.
Future engagements will involve input from members of the Tłı̨chǫ government, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, neighboring Indigenous groups, and local community members to contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the proposed route.