Participating in major projects ‘a decision for each Indigenous government,’ says GNWT

As the details of potential ownership, procurement and economic benefits for the Arctic Energy Security Corridor (AESC) are still being developed, the GNWT would welcome the Deninu Kųę́ First Nation (DKFN) back to the negotiating table.

“Whether and when to participate in a commercial opportunity is a decision for each Indigenous government,” stated Energy and Supply Chains Minister Caroline Wawzonek in an emailed response to questions from CKLB.

“My understanding is that DKFN is not ruling out future participation, but is seeking assurances about potential future opportunities.”

The Minister continued: “I have committed to continuing that work alongside the partners so we can develop a project that delivers the benefits we are all seeking, including jobs, revenue streams and improved energy infrastructure for the NWT.”

Wawzonek stated that the AESC is at an early stage, but work there has accelerated since its referral to the Major Projects Office.

The proponents of the AESC came together recently to celebrate reaching consensus on a proposed rough routing for the estimated $4 billion 400-kilometre all-season road.

This ambitious nation-building project is being led by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation in partnership with the GNWT.

In the first phase, it would have extended Highway 4 (the Ingraham Trail) from Tibbitt Lake to Lockhart Lake.

“The recently announced consensus corridor reflects an agreement reached by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and it is for those Nations to speak to their process,” stated Wawzonek.

“From the GNWT’s perspective, work on the proposed corridor has focused on protecting caribou and ensuring a viable business case for economic opportunities that I believe can benefit the NWT as a whole.

“The broader engagement now underway will help ensure that input from Indigenous governments informs the work as it advances.”

Wawzonek stated that the DKFN has been part of the work on the proposed Taltson Hydro Expansion since 2021, when the parties signed an initial memorandum of understanding.

The project remains in the planning stage and, while work toward project readiness is accelerating, no final decision has been made to proceed with construction, she said.

“I met with Chief Balsillie and members of Council (last week) and heard their views about Taltson, the AESC and the economic opportunities they are seeking.

“What we are trying to do with Taltson is a new way of delivering infrastructure in the North: developing a major infrastructure project with Indigenous governments as potential owners and business partners from the outset.

“We have made tremendous progress in the few months since the project was referred to the Major Projects Office.”

“Together, the MOU partners have advanced hydrology and environmental studies in preparation for environmental assessment and are undertaking transmission-routing studies to finalize the proposed routes.

Wawzonek noted that Indigenous governments have signed a letter of intent to form a joint entity that will eventually serve as their commercial ownership vehicle for the Taltson project.

The Taltson Hydro Expansion is a partnership between the Deninu Kųę́ First Nation (under discussion), Fort Resolution Métis Government, Fort Smith Métis Council, Hay River Métis Government Council, Łutsel K’e Dene First Nation, Northwest Territories Métis Nation, Salt River First Nation, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The proposed 60 MW expansion would double the Northwest Territories’ hydro capacity and help create a unified Northern electricity grid.

The project would deliver clean, reliable power to 11 communities – serving approximately 70% of NWT residents – while supporting electrification in homes, transportation, and industry across the mineral-rich Slave Geological Province.