The Tłı̨chǫ Government and the federal government have announced a joint investment of more than $53 million to plant 12 million trees on Tłı̨chǫ land over the next seven years.
According to a news release issued Friday, the project is part of Canada’s national goal of planting two billion trees over the next decade. It aims to restore habitat for species at risk, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase resilience to climate change.
“The Tłı̨chǫ Government is pleased to take a leadership role in fostering the healing of the land after devastating wildfires,” said Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty.
The project will incorporate FireSmart principles to help protect communities from future wildfires, such as planting fire-resistant tree species, maintaining defensible spaces around populated areas, and creating firebreaks to slow the spread of flames.
Funding will also support the design and construction of greenhouse facilities for a tree nursery, creating jobs and training opportunities within Tłı̨chǫ communities.
“Trees planted as part of the Two Billion Trees program will not only help tackle climate change but also support the expansion of Canada’s forests and the restoration of important habitats, all while ensuring cleaner air and sustainable jobs in communities across Canada,” said NWT MP Michael McLeod.
As of September 2024, the federal government has secured agreements to plant more than 716 million trees nationwide.
