OUR GOAL: Strengthen relationships with Indigenous Peoples in the Northwest Territories, while preparing the Legislative Assembly for a transformational change, ensuring Indigenous worldviews are embedded in governance, operations, and workplace culture for a stronger, more inclusive future.
Over the next five years, the NWT Legislative Assembly will be guided by five commitments and 15 initial actions to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Preparing to Change: Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-2030, issued by Speaker Shane Thompson at the end of the spring sitting on Thursday promises to strengthen relationships with Indigenous governments and organizations, and embed First Nations, Métis and Inuit worldviews into the GNWT’s governance, operations and workplace culture.
“This is a living document — one that will evolve through continued engagement, accountability, and responsiveness to Indigenous leadership,” Thompson stated in a release. “By taking these steps, the Assembly is preparing for a future where reconciliation and self-governance are not just aspirations, but foundational pillars of our institution.”
The plan includes actions to strengthen Indigenous representation and collaboration, support Indigenous business, honour Indigenous identity and way of life and ensure the workforce of the Legislative Assembly represents, respects and values the Indigenous population, knowledge and cultures of the NWT.
- TRANSFORMATIONAL GOVERNANCE; Strengthening Indigenous representation in legislative decision-making, creating formal processes for collaboration with Indigenous governments, and ensuring that the laws and policies of this territory reflect the rights and priorities of Indigenous peoples. One ‘initial action’ is to explore the implications of Indigenous self-government on territorial governance and the Assembly
- NORTHERN PROSPERITY: We are committed to ensuring that the way we do business strengthens the North and the people who call it home. One ‘initial action’ is to remove barriers for Indigenous businesses to work with the Legislative Assembly
- CULTURAL PRIDE: The Legislative Assembly must be a place where Indigenous identity is honoured, where language and ceremony are respected, and where cultural expressions are not just seen but lived. One ‘initial action’ is to look for ways to expand Indigenous language services in legislative proceedings and record keeping
- ENGAGING RELATIONSHIPS: The Assembly must ensure Indigenous voices are heard, respected, and reflected in the work it does. This means listening to Indigenous leaders, Elders, and communities, ensuring engagement is ongoing, meaningful, and leads to action.
- WORKPLACE DEVELOPMENT: Hiring and retaining Indigenous employees, providing pathways for career development, and ensuring the workplace is one where Indigenous knowledge and ways of being are respected and valued.