One of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives in the world is set to be celebrated on Thursday in Behchokǫ̀, with $375 million in funding from various sources.
This work, occurring under the name Northwest Territories Project Finance for Permanence (NWT PFP) brings governments and the philanthropic community together to provide funding for long-term protection and stewardship of lands and waters.
The innovative partnership is designed to create long-term support for Indigenous-led healthy communities and strong local economies across the Northwest Territories.
Proponents believe the partnership has enormous potential to generate transformative benefits for the North: think Thaıdene Nëné National Park Reserve or Nahanni National Park Reserve.
Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty said while the NWT PFP is about conserving lands, species of flora and fauna and waters, it does not block out carefully selected development opportunities that can have a low-impact on nature.
“We’re getting our share for Northwest Territories of $375 million … it’s towards conservation, so looking after our land and also water and wildlife,” he said.
“Right now we’re doing boots on the ground in the northern section of Northwest Territories. We started that on our own initiative, our own investment, and this will help subsidize that as well more conservation in our backyards.”
In December 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in Ottawa $800 million to support up to four Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
The NWT was always considered an excellent candidate for the PFP model, given its global leadership in Indigenous conservation, strong governance, and enabling legislation.
In October 2023, a framework agreement had been reached between partners, and they held a signing ceremony in Yellowknife.
Private funder the Metcalf Foundation has stated that a finalized NWT PFP is expected to support economic development, cultural and community well-being, and increased employment opportunities.
In December 2022, Ottawa announced $800 million to support up to four Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
