Regional map boundary debate surfaces at Tłı̨chǫ/GNWT meeting

An item up for discussion at the Intergovernmental Meeting between Tłı̨chǫ Government and territorial government was, “continuing to advance the establishment of a distinct Tłı̨chǫ Administrative Region within the GNWT.”

This is a long-simmering issue, often raised by Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong, who argues the four Tłı̨chǫ communities (Behchokǫ̀, Whatì, Gamètì, and Wekweètì) form a distinct region that should not be lumped in with the GNWT’s administrative North Slave Region.

The GNWT bases its primary regional boundaries on legacy administrative frameworks and broad geographic areas, rather than individual Indigenous self-government jurisdictions.

The GNWT’s traditional administrative regions (North Slave, South Slave, Dehcho, Sahtu, and Beaufort-Delta) were set up decades ago.

The North Slave Region was drawn to cover both the Yellowknife area and the Tłı̨chǫ communities together.

A joint communique issued after the Tuesday meeting didn’t offer any details on “continuing to advance” the issue, and media are not allowed into these various nation-to-nation meetings.

When Weyallon Armstrong raised this issue in the previous Assembly, she was rebuffed by then-Premier Caroline Cochrane.

Said the MLA in May 2023: “All we are asking for is just remove us from North Slave Region, and they are the colonial government that created this, North Slave. They didn’t even consult us to be part of the North Slave Region. So what policy changes are needed and who makes those policies?”

Said the former Premier: “I hear that the Tłı̨chǫ don’t want to be part of the North Slave. I’m sure the NWT Métis and the Kátł’odeeche (First Nation) and all those might not want to be part of the South Slave. I’m sure the seven Indigenous governments in the Sahtu might not want to be part of the Sahtu.

“The problem is that we don’t divide the regions by the Indigenous governments. They’re defined by borders. I hear her concerns but I think it would be a long cumbersome process to do.”

Other areas of mutual interest discussed at the Intergovernmental Meeting, included:

• Strengthening government-to government collaboration as Treaty partners on all aspects of wildlife management.
• Working together to advance an early learning and childcare system that is founded in Tłı̨chǫ language, culture and way of life and that reflects the needs of Tłı̨chǫ children, families, and community members.
• Continuing to work together to offer skills and training opportunities that help residents prepare for employment.
• Deepening collaboration on shared priorities related to economic opportunities, socio-economic well-being, attracting investment, and developing the capacity of communities.
• Collaboration to improve community safety and well-being, support families, and reduce the impacts of illicit drugs in communities, while ensuring alignment with Indigenous governance, knowledge, and community-identified priorities.

This last area was detailed in a recent a self-described “truthful and blunt” social media post by Behchokǫ̀ Chief Bertha Rabesca Zoe.

She stated she estimates there are over 150 homeless persons in 1,900-resident Behchokǫ̀, and many are staying with family and friends, and “couch surfing.”

Chief Rabesca Zoe is angry over what she describes as a lack of resources to deal with homelessness in communities outside of Yellowknife — including hers.

In Yellowknife, there are many shelters, transition homes and other housing available for the homeless, which Rabesca Zoe admits include many Tłı̨chǫ people.

At another political event prior to Tuesday’s Intergovernmental Meeting, CKLB asked Premier R.J. Simpson about Chief Rabesca Zoe’s concerns.

“I was actually in Behchokǫ̀ two weeks ago with the Chief, and she toured us around town, so whatever she said on Facebook, I’m sure she said that to us in person,” said the Premier.

“There are a lot of people from other communities who come to Yellowknife and then become homeless. So, it’s not just Yellowknifers getting supports; it’s people from the territory receiving supports in Yellowknife. That being said, we recognize that this is an issue across the territory.

“We’ve increased support for homeless shelters. I know that the Tłı̨chǫ have a couple of initiatives they’re working on, and they’re going to be bringing those to us, looking for support.”

Did he appreciate having the chief going public through social media?

“I mean, that’s her job. It’s that’s what she’s supposed to be doing. And I don’t want issues to just be suppressed. You know, it’s good to talk about them. It’s good to get the facts out there and have a dialogue.”