Ottawa and the GNWT today announced the Canada–Northwest Territories Nature Agreement, designed to advance nature-related priorities, in collaboration with Indigenous governments, across the territory.
The two levels of government have agreed to an initial investment of $7 million in the fiscal year 2025–2026. The agreement will be supported by up to $20 million in federal funding.
The 10-year agreement reflects governments’ shared commitment to long-term environmental sustainability and addresses the critical challenge of biodiversity loss.
This investment will support and advance the ongoing collaboration between Ottawa, the GNWT, and Indigenous governments — including through the Indigenous-led NWT: Our Land for the Future initiative, announced last year in Behchoko.
This is done by providing support for Indigenous-led protected and conserved areas, improving outcomes for key species at risk, supporting Indigenous leadership in conservation and stewardship, and facilitating data exchange.
The Government of Northwest Territories will work with Indigenous governments and organizations toward the protection and conservation of six-per-cent of the territory by 2028, with the potential to protect and conserve up to 9.6-per-cent of the territory by 2035.
At an announcement today at the NWT Legislative Assembly, NWT MP Michael McLeod said Northerners care deeply about the future of our lands and our waters.
He said: “Through this agreement, both Canada and the Government of Northwest Territories are demonstrating our joint commitment to ensuring a healthy environment in the North for the generations to come.”
NWT Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jay Macdonald said: “Through our partnership with Canada, Indigenous governments and wildlife co-management partners, we are taking decisive action to safeguard biodiversity, strengthen environmental stewardship, and create new opportunities for Northerners and for communities across the territory.”
The Northwest Territories has already conserved nearly 16-per-cent of its land and water.
This agreement will provide funding for the government of the Northwest Territories to support indigenous led stewardship and conservation and manage key species at risk.
New protected areas identified by Indigenous Governments will be similar to Thaidene Nëné, which was created in 2019. (Photo courtesy of Pat Kane/Indigenous Leadership Initiative)
