Politics

GNWT to launch new hiring policy that focuses on Indigenous recruitment

Priority hiring outlined in the Affirmative Action Policy will be scrapped


The GNWT is replacing its long-standing hiring policy with a new Indigenous Employment Policy (IEP) that simplifies the process for hiring Indigenous people in the public sector. Public Service Minister Caroline Wawzonek and Deputy Minister of Finance William Mackey made the announcement yesterday afternoon. “The goal of this policy is…


Drilling down on expenditures show serious decrease in NWT mineral exploration

This as Nunavut enjoys a slight increase; GNWT still polishing regulations for Mineral Resources Act passed in 2019


Mining exploration expenditures in the NWT have experienced a sharp decrease this year, federal estimates show. This comes at a time when the cash-strapped GNWT is searching for ways to compensate for lost revenue for the looming closure of the big diamond mines in coming years. Exploration expenditures remained steady…


Homelessness: ‘It’s crucial we unite to create meaningful change,’ says MP Michael McLeod

GNWT will match federal funding of $1 million over two years for projects such as the temporary On-the-Land Camp


The latest brick in the wall from government to address homelessness is a $2 million partnership between Ottawa and the territorial government. This partnership will help alleviate capacity challenges identified by local shelter operators, while addressing encampments and helping find homes for people sleeping in tents through a “human rights-based…


NWT Health Leadership Council discharged, angering Dene leadership

'It is time for Dene to determine our own ways of caring for our people,' says National Chief George Mackenzie


The Dene Nation has grave concerns over the dissolution dismissal of the NWT’s Health and Social Services (NTHSSA) Leadership Council, in favour of a single public administrator, as it could hurt overall effectiveness of health service delivery. “We are in a crisis state regarding medical travel, child/family services and the…


Kátł’odeeche First Nation chooses financial specialist Elaine Auger for chief

Disaster recovery, economic development on the table as community settles lucrative modern Treaty Day payments


The people of Kátł’odeeche First Nation have spoken, electing Elaine Auger as chief on Thursday. And Auger promises to let the people speak out on issues to drive decisions by a transparent and accountable leadership group. The final tally in Thursday’s election, pending any appeals, was 129 votes cast for…


Gwich’in Tribal Council’s contested Grand Chief election results remain in hands of Supreme Court judge

GTC board’s call for a new election after complaints made by incumbent candidate a ‘draconian’ move, says opponent’s lawyer


Legal arguments out of a controversial election Beaufort Delta have explored how much power should an Indigenous board of directors have and who gets to decide what truth is in political debate. Toby Kruger is the lawyer for Frederick Blake Jr., who received the most votes in September’s Gwich’in Tribal…


Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę, GNWT and Ottawa initial draft of final self-government agreement

Significant milestone for Sahtu Dene and Métis of Norman Wells is a 'crucial step in moving beyond colonial systems of governance, says fed minister


Negotiators in Ottawa for the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Government Inc., the GNWT, and Canada have initialled the draft final self-government agreement for the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę in Ottawa. Proponents stated this significant milestone demonstrates progress for the the Sahtu Dene and Métis of Norman Wells, moving toward self-government and charting their own…


A $375M generational plan for Indigenous-led conservation, stewardship and economic development across the NWT

'We will take care of the land, the water, the animals, the plant life, and also take care of our communities and our people,' says Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty


Drummers, woodsmoke and dancing helped usher in an historic $375 million agreement in Behchokǫ̀ that will fund Indigenous-led conservation, stewardship, and economic development across the Northwest Territories. Known as NWT: Our Land for the Future, one of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives in the world promises to create transformative…


‘Who’s helping us to recover, emotionally, physically, spiritually, in all ways?’

Raw emotions on display from Behchokǫ̀ residents at after-action review open house of 2023 wildfire emergency response


Forty people gathered at tables in a school gymnasium in Behchokǫ̀ on Wednesday night, sharing stories of resilience, confusion and anger over the 2023 wildfire season. Repeated themes were the absent, slow or confusing communications from the GNWT, and a lack of help for evacuees when returning home after 10…


Massive $375M Indigenous-led conservation partnership set to be signed in Behchokǫ̀

Project Finance for Permanence to create long-term protection and stewardship of lands and waters across the NWT


One of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives in the world is set to be celebrated on Thursday in Behchokǫ̀, with $375 million in funding from various sources. This work, occurring under the name Northwest Territories Project Finance for Permanence (NWT PFP) brings governments and the philanthropic community together to…